Helping refugees learn English (classroom based)

Please read the following information about our team. If you would like to join us, please complete the application form, or email me and leave a phone number if you'd like a chat first - I will call you back. Kim, Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Role: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Adult refugees are required to study English for one year following their arrival in Norwich. Being able to read and write English is central to a family successfully building a new life here, as this will be essential for employment opportunities and generally engaging with the wider community.

Lessons take place four days a week, Monday to Friday during term time, in classrooms at the Methodist Church near the centre of Norwich.

Learners have four 1¾ hour lessons a week. These lessons take place during one of two time slots, one in the morning (10am – 12pm) and the other in the afternoon (12pm – 2pm). Teaching is provided by specialist teachers in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The teacher sets ‘homework’, which learners complete with support from volunteers during the other session. There will normally be two or three volunteers supporting a class of approximately 12 learners.

Volunteers need no particular previous experience to do this role, just a willingness to communicate. Being sensitive to each adult's different abilities and finding new ways to explain things in a positive, fun and encouraging way is more important than being able to conjugate a verb!

How We Support Volunteers 

We really appreciate the contribution our volunteers make which ensures the success of the resettlement scheme. In return for your time and commitment, we provide ongoing support to volunteers including the following: 

·      Newsletter

Each month, you will receive an e-newsletter which has updates from Simon and the team about the project. It also covers any new developments, news on events, as well as additional volunteering opportunities or one-off requests for help. 

·      Volunteer Forums  

We also hold monthly volunteer forums, either in the Forum or online. These are an opportunity to meet other volunteers, and to ask questions and exchange ideas. We serve refreshments at the ‘Forum in the Forum’.

·      Volunteer Hub 

There is a Volunteer Hub which provides a digital online platform for volunteers to connect with the team, share resources and get the latest news.

Thank you for reading this information – we look forward to meeting you.