It’s Volunteers’ Week 2021 (1-7 June). To celebrate we’re sharing stories of our volunteers throughout the week to showcase the amazing work they do.
Here’s more about Lorna.
What is your name and where do you volunteer?
My name is Lorna and I volunteer at Katherine Low (KLS) in their adult education classes and for their Love to Learn education team.
What interested you about volunteering in these roles?
I got interested in volunteering when I went to T’ai Chi classes at KLS. I was struck by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and enjoyed meeting members of the Lunch Club on my way to and from the class. So when I saw a poster about volunteering there I made enquiries and got involved. Having lived and worked abroad, I was interested in working with people from other countries.
What do you do?
I am a teaching assistant in an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class. Before class, I read the lesson plan the teacher sends to me so that I can be prepared to support the students in their learning. During the pandemic, teaching has been online so I have worked on Zoom with small groups.
I am also a volunteer Learning Mentor for a primary school child, who does not speak English at home. I meet him weekly for an hour, originally in his home, then by phone and now on Zoom. We do all kinds of things: follow up his interests, read, discuss, play word games, do quizzes…
What do you love about volunteering?
I love meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures, learning from them, hearing about their hopes and dreams for the future. I hope in a small way that I’m helping them to achieve their goals. I also love meeting the staff and other volunteers, and being supported by the staff in my volunteering work. I also love the celebrations we have and the fun times with students.
What would you say to others about volunteering?
Give it a try. There are so many opportunities that you are bound to find something that is right for you. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, to acquire or develop skills, to broaden horizons and to make a contribution to the local community. My advice
is not to give up, even if it’s hard. You will get there in the end!
Our volunteers are truly amazing. They help us run all of our community services.
If you’re interested in volunteering then please fill in our ‘Volunteer Application Form’.
Our volunteers help with:
Do get in touch with us.