Looking to Volunteer? Consider Teaching English to Adults
Have you been thinking about volunteering somewhere but you’re not sure what to do or where to look? Perhaps you can consider tutoring an adult in Basic Skills or ESL (English as a Second Language).
If the data in northern New Jersey is any indication of the rest of the United States, then there is a high demand and a growing need for tutors to teach English to adults.
The reasons these individuals have for choosing the United States are vast, however, very often, the choice comes down to either staying in their native country, which may no longer be safe, or coming to the U.S. where they can improve their lives but at a cost of enormous sacrifice and work.
Many come to this country with their families and speak little to no English. While there are tons of helpful and free resources available both online and in public libraries, their needs go way beyond verb tenses and punctuation.
Everyone is at a different level and the spectrum is much wider than you may realize. For example, there are those who have never spoken English, or set foot in the U.S. before, and now face the prospect of having to secure a driver’s license and open a bank account. What we pass off as routine, many novice (or non) English speakers view as monumental tasks. Just imagine moving a country where you don’t speak the language and where your native language is not on street signs, coffee shop menus, or in retail stores.
It’s daunting.
Additionally, many need to find a home to rent for their families and/or enroll their children in the local school system. Even if they speak basic English, it can be incredibly stressful for them to navigate the paperwork and regulations around both of these important obligations.
Also, I’m not suggesting that tutoring adults is more important than teaching children. It’s not one group over another. The reality is that anyone who is new to this country can use a hand learning a very difficult language. (And yes, I’ve come to appreciate even more just how nuanced and difficult the English language is while working through exercises and having conversations with the two gentlemen I’ve tutored over the last two years). Thankfully, children who are enrolled in schools are taught the language directly and have the good fortune of being around teachers and students who also help them along. The parents (and adults in general) simply do not have that same structure. If they are working, they are working and must do their best to learn what they can in a more limited amount of time.
The good news is that there are many programs designed to help these individuals in a meaningful way.
Simple online searches can quickly point you toward non-profit organizations designed for this mission.
If you’re in the northern New Jersey area, you can contact Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County. Just click here.
*Quick note, I’m a volunteer, not an affiliate. I’m not compensated for tutoring or if you sign up.*
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, please consider directly impacting someone’s life by helping them learn the English language and the basic skills necessary to grow their confidence and make a better life for themselves and their families.
All you need is the willingness to help and a little bit of time.
Thanks for reading.
www.jeffmagnusonconsulting.com
