The English language education department at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE in Shepparton has put out a call for volunteers to become tutors for migrants and refugees. The volunteers will work with students who have moved to Shepparton from many other countries, including Afghanistan, Congo, Thailand and Iraq.
The volunteers will work with students who have moved to Shepparton from many other countries, including Afghanistan, Congo, Thailand and Iraq.
A GOTAFE spokesperson said the students had varying levels of ability in speaking and writing English, from beginners learning the alphabet to people preparing to go to university or starting a job. Student Somar Al Saghir said he wanted to improve his English to help him achieve his dream of becoming a barber.
“I am Syrian. I came from Lebanon in 2018 with my family,” he said.
“Australia is a safe and beautiful country. I want to do a barber course at GOTAFE when my English is better and get a job.
“The Volunteer Tutor Scheme will help me get better English. One day all my family want to do Australian citizenship.”
Volunteer Tutor Scheme co-ordinator Sue Elston said volunteers could transform the lives of migrants and refugees by helping them improve the ability to read and write in English.
“Being able to communicate in English is the most crucial ingredient for our students to succeed in life,” she said.
Volunteers are required to complete working with children and police checks, potentially a COVID-19 clearance and undertake a 12-hour volunteer tutor training program at the Shepparton campus or online, beginning on Wednesday, April 27.
They will spend one to two hours a week online, via phone or in a public place with a student or students they have been matched with.
GOTAFE teachers and the co-ordinator will provide ongoing assistance to the tutors.
• Prospective volunteers can contact Sue Elston on 0466 493 952 or selston@gotafe.vic.edu.au
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