Are you interested in helping migrants learn English?

TasTAFE is seeking volunteer tutors to help migrants in Hobart learn English.

TasTAFE offers volunteer tutor training as part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

There are currently around 50 volunteer tutors but more are needed with a new round of tutor training beginning on 15 May 2023.

TasTAFE provides on-campus English classes for migrants under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).  Whilst attending the group class, some students would like one-on-one help as well, to focus on specific aspects such as writing or speaking. There are also migrants who are unable to attend classes for various reasons such as caring responsibilities. The tutor program aims to fill that gap.

After completing their training, volunteer tutors assist migrant students for around an hour each week.  Sessions are on a one-on-one basis and usually held at a community location such as a library or in students’ homes.  Many of the migrant students live in Hobart’s Northern suburbs, but also in other locations around Hobart.  Tutors assist migrant students to learn speaking, reading and writing English, as well as establish important connections with the local community.

Michelle (pictured in attached photo with migrant student Luu Dung) became a volunteer tutor in September 2022.

“Since I retired, I had some free time and wanted to do something that involved literacy.  It’s very rewarding to help someone.”

Michelle also says that, whilst the tutor training was useful, she keeps learning more teaching tips as she continues.  There are regular professional development opportunities for tutors at TasTAFE.

Luu Dung migrated from Vietnam at the end of 2021.  He says, although he knew how to read and write English, he had no confidence to talk.  It was his teacher who suggested Luu Dung see a volunteer tutor once a week after the class.

Luu Dung says, “With Michelle, I practice talking about lots of different topics. I want to talk with everyone around me and make new friends.”

Luu Dung’s teacher, Ian Hewitt, was pleasantly surprised by Luu Dung’s significant improvements.

“He was initially very reluctant to speak in front of the class.  But since he has been working with Michelle, his confidence has grown immensely, and he is talking more and more each week.  It’s great to see.”

Volunteer Tutor Scheme Administrator, Hiroko Kunimoto said “Our tutors do fantastic jobs and I keep hearing great stories of friendships and the progresses that the students are making.”

Volunteer tutor training involves about 10 hours of online study and three face to face sessions at TasTAFE’s Campbell St Campus, including a chance to participate in some of the actual classes.

If you have a genuine interest in this rewarding program, please email Hiroko at TasTAFE.Home.Tutor.ELS@tastafe.tas.edu.au for more information.

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.