Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County is looking to recruit tutors to teach adults in need of better reading, math and language skills.
The non-profit group hopes to offer an 18-hour training workshop next month, and will schedule a class after the first five volunteers sign up. The local organization provides all training, study and support materials. It also permits students and tutors to make their own meeting time and place arrangements. Volunteers generally commit to nine months of tutoring in at least one hour per-week sessions.
“Many of our students looking for help wish to pursue a better employment opportunity,” said program Coordinator Kelly Sines.
Literacy Volunteers of Chenango Director Terri Lynn Bickford said many students come “to better themselves so they can in turn, provide better for their families.”
Volunteers may also work with individuals learning English as a second language. Karen Given, a retired English teacher, has been a part of Literacy Volunteers of Chenango for 22 years and is currently teaching a Russian immigrant, Rima Impoliene.
“I had an interest in helping other people. It seemed to fit my niche,” Given said.
Impoliene, a 39-year old wife and mother of three, said she remembers when her daughter first came home from school and said she couldn’t speak English.
“I told her neither do I,” said Rima. “I want to learn because I couldn’t speak English very good. I want to speak better. I needed to learn, I wanted it so I can do it. They can teach, but you must want to learn it.”
“It can be harder for adults to learn. Some are embarrassed and our minds just settle in, but study, work and perseverance can change that. Many believe if they didn’t learn it when they were young, then they can never learn it. That’s just not true,” Bickford said.
Those interested in tutoring may call 334-7114.
Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County is an accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy America and a United Way sponsored-program of Opportunities For Chenango.