In its ever-growing evening program, Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh hosts English classes full of non-native speakers who are hoping to improve their language skills and make better lives for themselves in the United States. Volunteer tutors conduct these sessions, in which students practice listening and speaking, as well as reading and writing English.

The curriculum involves both traditional “book learning” – vocabulary exercises and pronunciation practice – as well as a “real world” approach, such as lessons in how to determine the difference between junk mail and bills, how to answer questions at doctors’ offices, and how to schedule appointments.

Because of these volunteers, the Goodwill has been able to extend services to students off-site in a few communities. One of these groups meets twice a week with a group of older Russian immigrants.

Goodwill provides the volunteers with tutor training and class materials, helps with lesson planning and takes care of the standardized testing necessary for record keeping. Many of the volunteers are, themselves, life-long learners – some are college students and some are babyboomers reaching retirement age.

From Working! Summer 2006.

To find a Goodwill with volunteer opportunities in your area, visit the Goodwill Locator.

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