Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) in Bankstown features a range of opportunities to dip your toe into volunteering and develop confidence.
Helen Thompson has been helping Shruti Shukla with her English for just over a year as part of the Adult Migrant English Program’s (AMEP) Volunteer Tutor Scheme (VTS).
Despite their difference in age, culture and background, they have formed a special bond that transcends their weekly one-hour language lesson.
“It’s a real joy,” says Helen, a retired lawyer with a love of the English language.
“It’s a great privilege really to teach anyone and get to know them and about their life.
“For the hour we are together each week we really enjoy ourselves; it’s always fun.”
Shruti left everything she knew behind when she left India for Australia as a newlywed.
She initially enrolled in English classes as part of the AMEP at Navitas College. However, when a job came up and after later falling pregnant, she put her language lessons on pause.
Shruti returned to the AMEP, via the Volunteer Tutor Scheme, when her daughter was six months old, during lockdown and the VTS enabled her to learn with Helen online before eventually meeting.
NSF Bankstown is at 2 Jacobs Street, Bankstown. Details: navitas-skilled-futures.com.au or 9707 0200.
