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Literacy Tutors Needed
Last March, I wrote a column about a program starting in Whistler that provided basic literacy and ESL (English as a Second Language) training. The program, funded by a Provincial grant and presented by the Library in partnership with Capilano College, has been very successful. So successful, in fact, that we need more volunteer tutors to cut down the waitlist!
This is an incredibly rewarding – and responsible – job. Here are the words of Carole Stretch, the tutor coordinator:
Tutors are asked to commit a minimum of 2 hours a week for 6 months. Each volunteer tutor receives 12-15 hours of introductory training and will be invited to attend workshops that address specific needs or topics of interest. Once they begin tutoring, volunteers will receive ongoing support from the program coordinator who will help them identify clear goals and objectives, and develop plans, with their learners.
The skills & qualifications required to be a tutor include good written and oral English, basic math and computer skills (i.e. that needed for shopping, banking, cooking and measuring), and the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. In addition, tutors will need good interpersonal skills, maturity and discretion, a caring, non-judgmental attitude, patience, flexibility and creativity, and the ability to work independently. If you enjoy words, books and language, would like to provide a service to the community and enjoy being with and learning about people, then why not think about volunteering as a tutor? It can also give you valuable work experience, may help you maintain skills or explore a new career, and learn about the challenges and rewards of teaching.
An information session for interested volunteer tutors is being held on Wednesday January 21 at 6pm at the Whistler Public Library. If you are interested in learning more about being a volunteer tutor with the Whistler Community Learning Program, or would like to pre-register for the information session, please contact Carole Stretch at: 604.932.0311 or cstretch@capilanou.ca.
In my position as librarian, I have seen first-hand how this type of committed, one-on-one training can change lives. I see how excited learners are when they start to “get it.” This is not just about the joy of reading, though that’s certainly a part of it. It’s also about functioning in the world. If you would like to tutor, or if you would like to join the program as a learner, please get in touch with Carole or me.
Lauren Stara, Library Director