Media Release: Make a difference to someone's life - become a volunteer English tutor

Mission Australia's Home Tutor Service (HTS) in Parramatta is crying out for volunteers to teach newly arrived refugees and migrants English language skills to help them settle more successfully in their new homeland.

Mission Australia's HTS is a volunteer-driven tutoring scheme which matches members of the community with migrants and refugees many of whom are house-bound because they're caring for infant children, family responsibilities or illness.

Volunteer tutors are provided with free training and support by Mission Australia. Lessons are one-on-one and held in the students' homes.

Mission Australia's HTS Team Leader, Mina Zolfaghari, said the service played a crucial role in helping new Australians settle successfully and contribute to their local communities.

"Not knowing our national language can be a huge barrier in settling into Australian life - imagine not being able to do simple things like make a doctors appointment for a sick child or buy a train ticket?

"You don't need to be bi-lingual - although if you are, particularly in Arabic, your skills will be put to good use. Just patience, a willingness to lend a hand and the ability to spare an hour per week is all that's required."

Sarah Cullen has been tutoring Manizha Zaki from Afghanistan for four years now.

"I have learned so much from Manizha and more than anything else, I have gained a wonderful friend," said Sarah.

"Watching her English skills develop has been inspirational. When I first met her, she could barely say 'hello' and 'goodbye,' let alone hold a conversation."

"Now, she can function in everyday life as well as any native Australian, speaking on the phone making appointments, using public transport, even applying for jobs. I feel so privileged to have been a part of that process."

"I work full-time but the commitment to HTS is only one to two hours per week and the time I spend with Manizha is well worth it."

Sarah has also gained from the cross-cultural exchange picking up some very practical knowledge including recipes for Afghani dishes like rice pudding and boulani.

The Home Tutor Scheme is always looking for volunteers in Blacktown, as well as the Parramatta, Merrylands, Auburn, Fairfield and Liverpool areas.

To become a volunteer, or for more information, please call 9635 1543.

Sarah and Manizha are available for interview and photo opportunity. For all enquiries please call Leanne Budd on 0457 505 342