AMES needs help

ADULT Multicultural Education Services (AMES) in Dandenong is looking to recruit volunteers to support newly arrived migrants.
AMES volunteers coordinator Julie Capper said particularly in the cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong, large numbers of migrants were arriving who wanted to learn English.
“There is a desperate need for them to get a handle on the language fairly quickly,” Ms Capper said.
“The volunteers do this by visiting the learner in their home.”
Ms Capper said at present she managed about 170 volunteers but more were needed due to the high demand.
“When you cannot speak English and there is no interpreter to help, it’s difficult to communicate no matter how patient and kind the listener.”
AMES volunteers have been helping people learn English for 30 years.
Volunteers visit the learner to teach survival English, facts about the local community, and Australian culture.
The program will begin in mid October. Those interested can contact AMES on 8791 2441.