“Exceptional. Fun. Creative.” – My volunteering experience with Action Foundation.

This #VolunteersWeek, we interviewed Stuart, a Language and Learning Volunteer to find out more about his volunteering experiences.

Why did you decide to volunteer at Action Foundation?

I wanted to get involved with Action Foundation because I am training to become a teacher at University and I wanted more work experience with students learning English as a second language. I had already worked with refugees in the past, as a paralegal helping senior caseworkers with clients who were claiming asylum in the UK. Since then, I’ve pivoted towards education because I want to be involved with refugees in a different capacity.

I currently volunteer as a teaching assistant in Action Foundation’s Language and Learning Service, coming to a class once a week and helping the teacher carry out the lesson plan and help the learners complete the lesson and become more adept with the English.

What motivates you to support language learners?

Through my own experience of learning Spanish, I have found there are so many differences you don’t expect. You must reprogramme your brain when learning a new language. Even people who have lived in the UK their whole life can struggle with certain words. So, if it is even complex for people with English as a first language, I have huge empathy and understanding for our students learning English from scratch.

What motivates me to come back each week is finding new and creative ways for our learning to use English in a practical way. For example, last week I organised a tour for learners to go to Northumbria University where they could interact in English with people who aren’t teachers. Teachers are programmed to correct people and look at their language constantly to make them more proficient, whereas people in general aren’t interested in that, they just want to relay information. So, I think this is good experience, where learners can listen and absorb the words in a real-world interaction becoming more accustomed to English outside of the classroom.

If you had to describe your volunteering experience in three words, what would they be?

If I had to describe my Action Foundation volunteering experience in three words, I would say it is…

Exceptional. Fun. Creative.

Another aspect of my volunteering is community fundraising and events organising fundraising walks to raise funds for the charity and build community spirit. The first one was to St Mary’s Lighthouse. I used to work for the local authority, patrolling the beaches, so I know the area well and knew that seals can sometimes been seen around the lighthouse. It was great, because during the walk they did make an appearance.

I am also organising a picnic walk to Jesmond Dene for Refugee Week in a few weeks’ time.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer?

I would encourage people to volunteer at Action Foundation because the learners don’t just see you as a volunteer, they see you as someone who can help give them the best chance to acquire the English they need to live in the UK.

It’s fantastic seeing the learners grow in their skills and abilities, but I also appreciate the fact that a lot of them are refugees with sad histories and by volunteering time I can help them move towards a better future.

Volunteering at Action Foundation, you get back as much as you give!