GOTAFE seeking volunteer tutors to help students

Volunteers are being sought to support English Language students at GOTAFE.

GOTAFE is again running its Volunteer Tutor Scheme and is searching for community members to provide tutoring and learning support to newly arrived English Language students. Since its commencement in 2022, the Volunteer Tutor Scheme has supported more than 50 students. In addition, 20 volunteer trained tutors have met with students during this time.

The program supports refugee and asylum seekers and students attending the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), providing them with vital speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as the confidence to thrive within our community.

Adam Abkar is currently completing a Certificate II in English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Access) (22485VIC) and has been using the Volunteer Tutor Scheme to help build on his written and spoken English skills for two years now.

Adam encourages others to get involved and said he really enjoyed getting to know and learn from the tutors.

Daniel Gardner, Shepparton resident and Coordinator of Diversity & Inclusion at GOTAFE has registered as a volunteer tutor for the second year running, supporting and getting to know some of the region’s newest residents.

“I wanted to lead by example through becoming a volunteer tutor,” he said.

“I was also interested in getting to know the English Language Education cohort better and learning how I can support them.”

Daniel works with an English Language Education student for one hour a week on a topic of the student's choice.

“For me, not being a trainer, it has been my first experience in working with students for learning outcomes," he said.

“I have gained an appreciation for the fantastic work our English Language Education trainers do. It feels good knowing that you are helping a student reach their goals.”