The Immigrant and Refugee Services Program (IRSP) aims to help learners to Canada with information and referral, orientation, solution focused counselling and interpretation. Moreover, we build bridges across communities to foster social inclusion, contribute to building the capacity of immigrants and refugees and invest in the volunteering capacity to facilitate information sharing in various areas of services and settlement related needs.
Among many areas of support, volunteers are matched up with a newcomer in the program to provide one-on-one or small groups English tutoring.
Volunteer Duties:
- Help learners to practice their English, gain support
- Help learners adjust to new life in Canada
- Introduce learners to the themes like, health, transportation, housing, looking for job, recreation, food, family, banking, clothing, etc.
Skills Required:
- Must have an interest in ESL and adult learning
- Must have strong English reading, writing and speaking skills
- Must be friendly, open, reliable, patient, non-judgemental and non-discriminating
- Must have good interpersonal and communication skills
- Must have cross-cultural sensitivity
- Portuguese and/or Spanish an asset
Orientation & Training:
- Volunteers are expected to participate in a training session during an evening before volunteering
- On-going support provided by staff
- Training workshop opportunities throughout the year
Program Time & Location:
- Tutors and learners meet at West Neighbourhood House (formerly St. Christopher House) at 248 Ossington Ave (Ossington and Dundas West)
Tutors needed for:
- Weekdays, some weekday evenings (7-9pm) or Saturdays morning (Online class)
Volunteer Commitment:
- Once a week for 2 hours
- 9 months to 1 yr. commitment ensure continuity in the relationship
Contact Information
Volunteer Program
248 Ossington Ave
(416) 532-4828 ext.105
Email: volunteers@westnh.org