volunteer program profile

The ESL and Languages Department of Bow Valley College has a dedicated team of volunteers. Many volunteers work with instructors as classroom assistants. Other volunteers tutor small groups of learners such as seniors on Tuesday and Thursday and advanced level classes in writing, pronunciation and conversation on Saturday morning. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 410-3408.

The Senior Host program at CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society) matches volunteer tutors with immigrant seniors who want to learn basic English and/or improve their English language skills. Our tutors volunteer off-site, at times and locations that are convenient for both partners of the match, usually this is once a week for approx. 2 hours. The partnership continues as long as there is fulfillment for the volunteer tutor and a need expressed by the learner. We also have a classroom- based model and/or learning circle, where a group of learners help and support one another under the guidance of a volunteer tutor. For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 262-2006.

The Calgary Public Library volunteers guide new Canadians with intermediate conversation skills to practice English at the library. In the ESL Conversation Club, volunteers will help in small groups and cover interesting topics ranging from shopping to Canadian culture. Please contact Volunteer Resources at 260-2629 or visit calgarypubliclibrary.com/library/volunteer.htm for more information.

At the YWCA of Calgary, volunteer teaching assistants in the ESL Program Services support instructors in the classroom by working with individuals or small groups. Besides helping learners achieve their language goals, volunteers also participate with newcomers in a valuable exchange of cultural and experiential insights. We have classes ongoing throughout the city, and are looking for volunteers for classes in the morning, afternoon, or evenings. If you are fluent in English and have a strong knowledge of Canadian culture, we would be interested in having you come to volunteer with us. Please contact: Joyce Hummel (403) 294 -7344