Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland Office of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) is fortunate to have several classrooms where instructors from fellow members of the Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland teach English to refugees daily.
The work of these instructors is often supplemented by service from volunteers. These volunteers serve from many different locations and backgrounds including Magnificat High School, Gilmour Academy, Saint Ignatius High School, Help to Others (H2O), retired teachers, students from local universities and so on. These volunteers, in addition to the teaching from instructors, serve in a capacity that builds a solid foundation for English in each of the clients that we serve.
It’s hard enough being immersed in a brand new culture, let alone having to learn another language, and it can be challenging for students and instructors alike. Alyssa Mills, a one-time volunteer, instructor and now staff member at MRS, spoke of some of the challenges. “Our learners have so many barriers to meaningful instruction and you have to have a juggling act of strategies on hand to create the conditions that foster learning.”
Clients and volunteers enrich their English ability and participate in cultural exchange. Photo courtesy of Andrew Mathay.
Mills added, “The relationships between students and the range of social behaviors have a huge impact on how well ESL students learn English. Establishing these social relationships gives the teacher information to develop lessons/activities around and the ability to have information about the teacher’s own culture to be well received. By showing your deep respect for the students you allow trust which can further your relationship with them.”
MRS feels fortunate for the dedication, time and effort put forth by all those who serve with our clients.
If you are interested in volunteering in one of the English classes at Migration and Refugee Services as a group or individual, please visit our website.
Andrew Mathay is a Volunteer Coordinator at Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services, a member of the Refugee Services Collaborative based in the Cleveland area.
