Natalie’s love of language

“IT IS a great thrill to be recognised for something I love doing.“
English as a second language tutor Natalie Irvine is the City of Greater Dandenong’s Volunteer of the Year.
A former nurse and teacher, Natalie spotted an advertisement in the Journal in 1994 calling for volunteers to train as language teachers.
Natalie conducts an English conversation class at Dandenong Library each Monday under the auspices of the Springvale Neighbourhood House.
“I encourage them to talk, actually I force them to talk,“ she said.
“A lot of my students are older, who may have been home for a long time looking after their families.“
Over the years she has taught students from 25 countries including Vietnam, Russia, China, Afghanistan and Sudan.
“I’ve actually seen waves of migrants come from war-torn countries. First were the Vietnamese and then a lot of Afghans and now it is Sudanese.“
Natalie, who has lived in Dandenong North for 40 years, describes her pupils as “friends“.
“They have certainly become friends. We have birthday parties and celebrate their festivals.
“We share a lot. I learn a lot about their cultures and customs and I teach them civic things about what is expected in Australia.“
Friends from Portland joined Natalie’s proud husband in the audience on Australia Day to see her receive her Australia Day award.
A small celebration with her students will have to wait until classes resume in February.
– Narelle Coulter