Volunteers Tutors Needed
"[As a tutor] you will give support to build a solid, successful learning environment. You will establish a base for improved self-confidence by helping an adult-learner define and reach his or her literacy goals. By helping another human being, you will provide an invaluable gift. Your time and talents will shape another's destiny!"
Demystifying Adult literacy for Volunteer Tutors by Charlene L. Ball
Our Tutors
Gordon A. Hills CD, msc, BSA, MSc, PhD, P.Ag - Being a Tutor
Floyd was keen to learn and a keen learner. We did fun things together as we learned how to use banking machines and read the names on stores . Floyd is successfully learning to read and write. I had to sit at his kitchen table in December while he completed his Christmas cards. We had birthday cake for his 79th birthday.
When I met Floyd, I soon realized he was a highly intelligent man whose life had continued to deal deuces instead of Kings and Queens. He was 78 years old and mourning the loss of his wife who had supported him greatly throughout their years together.
I was introduced to Floyd with no training or experience as a volunteer literacy tutor. My wife had previous successful experiences as an English language learner tutor. In my retirement she thought I might enjoy continuing my career as a teacher and that I might enjoy working with CLASS.
Hilda Bell
Ruth Shaw
Judy Sivam
Fay Yaceyko
Alice Swan
Learner and Tutor Stories
Sergii
My name is Sergii, my wife is Lesia and our son is Andrii. My family and I are from the Ukraine. We came to Canada on March 15, 2010. We like it here. On April 15 we started going to English classes in Vermilion. It helps us very much. Our teacher is a very good woman and person. Her name is Judy Walsh. When we come to lessons time goes by very fast, because she explains everything easily and it is very interesting to us. Big thanks to her. She does a big job for us.
Eun Jung Jang English Language Learner
English Language Learner When did you come to Canada? 2006
When did you come to Vermilion? December 2008
Why did you come to CLASS? I wanted to learn how to speak English and meet friends.
How did you find an English Language tutor? I asked for help at CLASS.
Is it hard learning English? Yes, but it is exciting.
What kind of things, other than English, have you learned?
• Baking
• Banking
• Customs
Have you enjoyed having a tutor through CLASS? YES, very much!
Floyd
Floyd didn't know how to read or write at the age of 78 years. In just 3 months, Floyd had learned his ABC's and writing Christmas Cards!
Floyd was a hard rock miner who dropped out of school at a very early age to support his mother and sisters. His wife was a very caring and loving person who protected him and did everything that required reading or writing. With his wife's loss in the Spring of 2009, he came to Vermilion to be with his daughter for a month (which has now turned into 5 months). With his daughter's encouragement he came to CLASS to help him read and write and become more independent in his new life.
When he started, Floyd knew some basic words by memory only. Within three months of one on one tutoring, Floyd was sounding out 3 syllable words and writing Christmas cards to his friends back in Ontario.
He is reading everything in sight now, and wrestling with the Reader's Digest, which was one of his reading goals when starting. Floyd learned pre-basic computer skills through a CLASS computer course. He is now able to operate a ATM machine, and use his bank card anywhere. He wants to drive a vehicle next, and I have no doubt that with his energy and motivation, he will.
Floyd went back to his hometown in Ontario this January, and he is greatly missed. At the wonderful age of 79, Floyd proves that no one is too old to learn the essential skills of literacy. He is an inspiration to all that life may change, but changes can give you the opportunity to learn and grow if you take it.