Volunteer opportunity for conversation group leaders
Conversation groups are starting up again for the Fall, and the Refugee Outreach Program is looking for a few more volunteers who are keen to help newcomers become more comfortable with speaking English. Volunteers need to be available on Saturday morning from 11am to 12:15, for one or more Saturdays each month. While some conversation group leaders have teaching background, this is not required. Some group leaders have the experience of learning a second language themselves, or perhaps they have tutored kids in grammar or reading. It helps if group leaders are good conversationalists, active listeners, radically patient, and interested in meeting new people!
If you are interested in knowing more about being a group leader, you can check out this information handout or contact us directly. Let us know if you want to attend on Saturday to observe a class in progress. Please contact Sue Kaiser ([email protected] 416-599-0689) or Martha Reyes Huependo ([email protected] 416 924-7439 X32).
English Conversation Groups for Adults
Free, informal English conversation groups are offered for adults on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm on Zoom. Volunteers from the congregation and the community lead the groups, and participants gain confidence in using English in everyday situations. When we met in person the program included snacks at noon and opportunities to meet new people. Everyone is welcome. Learn more about the program, and hear from participants, here!
Spanish and English Activities for Children
Currently on hold
Free informal classes are offered for children ages 4-12 in Spanish or English on Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm. Spanish speaking parents asked for support to help their children maintain their Spanish skills, so the program offers activities in Spanish. Children who have recently arrived in Canada can participate in English language activities to help them gain confidence and make the transition to English at school. Program activities include games, crafts, stories and songs. Everyone is welcome.
Special Events
Refugee Outreach Program participants and volunteers work together to create family celebrations for special occasions. Cooking together and sharing familiar traditions with new friends is part of feeling at home in Canada. Each year, the program sponsors some mothers and children to attend Lake Scugog Camp, a summer program of the United Church of Canada. Working with refugee families is a satisfying way of giving back and having fun.
