TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (TESL)

The Project
TESL is a scheme for bilingual children who need help to improve their English language skills. Working closely with the child's teacher, volunteers usually visit their child at home each week, after school or at the weekend, to increase his or her confidence in using the English language by helping with general reading and writing skills. Sometimes help is needed in the classroom or at after school clubs - volunteers then work with a specific child under the direction of their teacher. Our volunteers provide the extra attention that some parents are unable to give, and busy teachers often do not have time to devote, that can make such a difference to a child's achievements. There is also a large degree of mentoring associated with this project - encouraging children to have more self-esteem and enabling them to access services and information they may otherwise have no knowledge of.

Time Commitment
Around 1-2 hours per week depending on placement. Regular commitment usually required.

Other Information
SCA provide an introductory guide to get volunteers started, and we also provide distance learning and ongoing support from SCA and the child’s teachers to ensure that volunteers and children get maximum benefit from the project.