Two women from Dorchester and Mattapan were among six Bostonians honored last month for completing 4,000 hours of service over 20 years for the Experience Corps, a literary program that pairs seniors with elementary school children to enhance their reading skills. The two local awardees— Josephine ‘Josie’ Watson and Rahiel ‘Rey’ Bernard— were honored at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation 2024 Experience Corps National Meeting in in Washington D.C. for their work with Boston-area Experience Corps partner, Literations.

“They [volunteers] are interested in how to help the kids in their communities, how to motivate them,” said Mioshi Moses, Vice President of Volunteer Programs at the AARP Foundation. “Our kids suffer significant setbacks in their reading and math skills as a result of the pandemic. So, our program has focused on rebuilding those literacy skills. That has sparked an even bigger fire in our volunteers.”

“They are the epitome of our typical volunteer,” Moses said. “They are the type of grandmother everybody wants because they’re engaging. They’re fun. They’re loving and clearly committed to the work. They’re committed to the students.”

Watson previously worked with USPS for 27 years, but always carried a passion for community service. She started volunteering at Experience Corps after noticing the decline in reading levels herself. Josie has volunteered at Charles H. Taylor Elementary School in Mattapan for 12 years.

“Seeing the children finally realize that they can read, and they can read better,” said Watson. “I like it when they come into our space and they’re happy and glad to see us. We have a friendship. We consider our place a safe space for them.”

Watson said she was honored to be recognized for her contributions to the community.

“I’m very grateful,” Watson said. “Many people do serve but only a few are chosen. So, I feel blessed to be able to receive something like this and it is up on my wall.”

Bernard has volunteered at Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School in Dorchester for 14 years. She’s found that while teaching children, they have taught her as well because of the diverse background they come from. Bernard worked as a teacher in her home country, Dominica, but worked in finance after emigrating to Boston. When she retired, she was unexpectedly introduced to Experience Corps.

“It’s an honor that you don’t even think of having,” Bernard said regarding her received honor.

“For this program you gain a lot personally, especially when you witness the children transformation from struggling to flourishing,” Bernard said. “That is so enriching for yourself. The child gains but you get even more to see the progress.”

The additional lifetime achievement awardees are Patricia Larts, Shirley Royster, Diane Thompson and William ‘Bill’ Wolff.