Helping refugees learn English (classroom based)

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

We are looking for new volunteers to join our team in September.

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: 

- Training

PfAT volunteers come from all walks of life, with varying skills and experience, so our training is individual and personal to each applicant. Meetings take place in Bar Marzano, in the Forum, at a time to suit you.

- DBS certificates

All of our volunteers undergo full DBS checks and are issued with an enhanced certificate before they can begin working with us.

- DBS certificates

All of our volunteers undergo full DBS checks and are issued with an enhanced certificate before they can begin working with us.

- 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 Coordinator

You can call or email Kim, our VC, for personal support at any stage of your training or volunteering.

- Expenses

All travel costs will be refunded.

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