By JASON TURNER
EMPOWERING may sometimes seem an overused word, but when Cheryl Wilkinson describes her work with recently arrived migrants, there’s just no better way to put it.
Ms Wilkinson volunteers as an English language tutor with AMES, an organisation that helps newly arrived refugees and migrants settle in Australia, by connecting them with services such as English classes, job seeking help and other community groups.
Last year, she started volunteering with Noble Park AMES and found, as a former teacher, that the program is vital.
“I don’t know how they [migrants] would manage without it,” Ms Wilkinson, 62, said. “Education does empower people.”
Students who enrol in the program arrive with differing knowledge of English — from pre-beginner to more advanced levels.
She said her students — Thi Dieu Le and Van Dinh, a Vietnamese couple in their 60s — came to her with little knowledge of the language.
Despite teacher and students finding it “quite challeging” during the first few sessions, Ms Wilkinson has loved the experience.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” she said.
“They go away with something new every session.”
Ms Wilkinson sees her students once a week and follows a planned lesson — but sometimes they “go with the flow” and they take the opportunity to ask her various questions about Australian life.
Ms Wilkinson also enjoys the opportunity to work with people from a range of different backgrounds. “I just love the people I work with — the trainers, the clients, everyone,” she said.
Tutors do not need experience in teaching as training is provided. All that is needed is a good knowledge of English and the local community.
Details: Nada Railic on 8558 8804 or email railicn@ames.net.au.
