Yohan was a volunteer at Community InfoSource. Visit their page to find their latest opportunities!
What were your main responsibilities as a volunteer?
My responsiblies were primarily to assist their English Foreign Language Learning classes in a supportive capacity, although there are other types of classes available (computer science, art, etc.). This involved; developing grammar/vocabulary examples in class to support the lesson material, orally correcting errors, checking student's worksheets as they worked their way through, and informally enganging in small talk dialogues during breaks. You need to do no prep insofar you speak English fluently, allbeit I have looked up a grammar concept or two to affirm my understanding haha. It's two hours per week; you can, nonetheless, opt out on occassion as your schedule sees fit.
Why did you choose to volunteer?
I chose to volunteer because of my family's own story. Two generations ago, my own extended family migrated for a multifacet of reasons to various places. Nevertheless, this was under more privileged circumstances than the conditions of my students admit. I wanna take the fortune of my own experiences to help those where fortuity ran much counter. It also allows me to explore what a career in this line of work could look like. There are a lot of ways where I could reach and improve lives touched by conflict and persecution, and as it stands, this is my best way of doing that right now.
What have you enjoyed most during your time as a volunteer?
Connecting with the people I teach. There are a lot of narratives in the media concerning immigration and asylum seekers. It's easy to forget how genuine and human they are, and what for a lovely company they can make. There is also an element of cultural exchange that I appreciate. All the individuals I happen to teach are somehow linked to the arab world, and I am swiftly reminded of their sweeping hospitality and warmness. I've gotten nibbles on a few ocassions.
How much of an impact do you feel your volunteering has made?
One aspect that I think has the biggest impact is the warm atmosphere that permeates the classroom. One of the biggest challenges asylum seekers face is maintaing their well-being and mental health; I believe my volunteering contributes to their welfare by simply by being engaging and open, treating them with dingitiy and respect. My being native considerably contributes to their advancement in English as well, through wider exposure to such speech.
What skills have you developed as a volunteer?
Problem-solving (developing lesson plans in class), teamwork (working alongside other volunteers), delegation (workload in class alongside your fellow volunteer), communication (position of authority as a young adult with more age-diverse adults)
What would you tell a student who is thinking about volunteering?
That it feels personal, vulnerable, intimadating, reflextive, and ultimately rewarding. If you feel a pull towards this opportunity, I would definitely recommend exploring that.
If you could sum up your volunteering experience in one word, what would it be?
Worth-it (I cheated haha)