Volunteer English tutors needed

TasTAFE is looking for people to be part of its volunteer tutor scheme.

As part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) funded by the Australian Government, TasTAFE teachers run English classes at Campbell Street Campus. About 320 migrant students attend the classes, but some would like an extra hour with a volunteer tutor to supplement what they are learning in class There are also migrants who are unable to attend classes for various reasons such as caring responsibilities. The volunteer tutor scheme aims to fill the gap.

TasTAFE currently has around 75 volunteer tutors, and as demand grows, would like to recruit new volunteers in the Hobart area.

Volunteer Tutor Scheme Administrator, Hiroko Kunimoto said:

“You don’t have to have a teaching background to be a volunteer tutor.  Our tutor training covers all the information about the tutoring and we also provide ongoing professional development.”

All AMEP volunteer tutors undertake approximately 15 hours of training.  This includes 10 hours of self-paced online study and three face to face sessions at TasTAFE’s Campbell St Campus.  During the sessions, the course participants have opportunities to interact with existing students.

After completing their training, volunteer tutors assist migrant students on a one-on-one basis for around an hour each week.  Tutors assist migrant students to learn speaking, reading and writing English as well as basic numeracy in some cases.

Most tutors see their students at TasTAFE’s library in the afternoon, but some use other local libraries or visit students’ homes.  Many of the migrant students live in Hobart’s Northern suburbs, but also in other locations around Hobart.

Kathy (pictured with migrant student Golbahar) became a volunteer tutor earlier this year and is helping two students. She says she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“The tutor training was helpful.  The online part was easy to fit into my schedule.

“I enjoy tutoring so much!  It’s great to do something to help other people, and it’s fascinating to listen to my students.  For example, I’ve just got to know what a staple diet is in Afghanistan.  I’m teaching English but also learning about a different culture.”

Golbahar arrived in Australia in January this year.

“There is no opportunity for me to practise speaking English outside the classroom.  So, it’s great to talk with Kathy.  It’s not easy, but I feel I’m getting better.”

Hiroko said volunteer tutors played an integral role in the success of the scheme.

“Our tutors do a fantastic job and I continually hear great stories of friendships and the progresses that the students are making.”

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.  TasTAFE is an AMEP service provider in Southern Tasmania.