The moment a recently arrived migrant understands English conversation for the first time is always special to CatholicCare Tasmania volunteer Kencie.
“They have a lightbulb moment,” she said, “and all of a sudden you can just see they understand.”
Kencie, who has volunteered with CatholicCare for five years, is part of the Let’s Talk conversation group that provides an opportunity for migrants and humanitarian entrants to learn or improve their English in a relaxed social setting. She says teaching migrants and people with refugee experience to speak and write in English is a “gentle way of helping”.
“It's really hard to explain the satisfaction [as a volunteer] because it's just something that you've got all the time,” she explained.
“You feel hopeful you're doing a good job. It is good to see the students’ progress. It’s just a nice, lovely feeling.”
Multicultural Programs celebrated National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers, with a morning tea to thank all involved for their selfless contributions.
This year’s theme for the week, which ran from May 15-21, was The Change Makers.
“Multicultural Programs are supported by a wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers who make it possible for us to run activities to support people from refugee and migrant background, as they settle in Hobart,” Coordinator Sarah Turner said.
“Volunteers give generously of their time to provide support with things such as transport, tutoring, English and citizenship practice, as well as social and practical supports for families.”
CatholicCare Tasmania also supported this year’s Tasmanian Volunteering Awards, sponsoring an award for Volunteer Group or Program of the Year.
The awards, held at Government House in Hobart on 19 May, acknowledge and honour the incredible contribution and spirit of service of all Tasmanian volunteers.
Presenting the award to Deloraine House Community Garden, CatholicCare CEO Julia Mangan said she had seen firsthand the significant impact of volunteering.
“Volunteering, and particularly this award, is about recognising the impact of harnessing the group, the team, the collective, the connection – and the service,” she said.
“No doubt any individual who gives back to their community through volunteering makes an impact, is a change agent. But this award demonstrates what can happen when a community rallies to give back to their community.”
Ms Mangan said as someone new to Tasmania, one of the things that stood out most to her was the sense of community.
“I see people identify a need and share the load to support and bring up those in our community who need it the most,” she said.
“To rally, as a group, behind those who are struggling and make sure they feel the numbers behind them.”
Volunteering Tasmania CEO Shirleyann Varney said the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate the power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of communities.
“Volunteering has long been a driver of individual and community wellbeing, supporting people’s social connections, sense of purpose as well as physical and mental health. Volunteers turn their passion into a purpose and with that become a force for change,” she said.
If you would like to become a volunteer tutor contact CatholicCare’s Multicultural Programs on 1800 819 447.
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The moment a recently arrived migrant understands English conversation for the first time is always special to CatholicCare Tasmania volunteer Kencie.
“They have a lightbulb moment,” she said, “and all of a sudden you can just see they understand.”
Kencie, who has volunteered with CatholicCare for five years, is part of the Let’s Talk conversation group that provides an opportunity for migrants and humanitarian entrants to learn or improve their English in a relaxed social setting. She says teaching migrants and people with refugee experience to speak and write in English is a “gentle way of helping”.
“It's really hard to explain the satisfaction [as a volunteer] because it's just something that you've got all the time,” she explained.
“You feel hopeful you're doing a good job. It is good to see the students’ progress. It’s just a nice, lovely feeling.”
Multicultural Programs celebrated National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers, with a morning tea to thank all involved for their selfless contributions.
This year’s theme for the week, which ran from May 15-21, was The Change Makers.
“Multicultural Programs are supported by a wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers who make it possible for us to run activities to support people from refugee and migrant background, as they settle in Hobart,” Coordinator Sarah Turner said.
“Volunteers give generously of their time to provide support with things such as transport, tutoring, English and citizenship practice, as well as social and practical supports for families.”
CatholicCare Tasmania also supported this year’s Tasmanian Volunteering Awards, sponsoring an award for Volunteer Group or Program of the Year.
The awards, held at Government House in Hobart on 19 May, acknowledge and honour the incredible contribution and spirit of service of all Tasmanian volunteers.
Presenting the award to Deloraine House Community Garden, CatholicCare CEO Julia Mangan said she had seen firsthand the significant impact of volunteering.
“Volunteering, and particularly this award, is about recognising the impact of harnessing the group, the team, the collective, the connection – and the service,” she said.
“No doubt any individual who gives back to their community through volunteering makes an impact, is a change agent. But this award demonstrates what can happen when a community rallies to give back to their community.”
Ms Mangan said as someone new to Tasmania, one of the things that stood out most to her was the sense of community.
“I see people identify a need and share the load to support and bring up those in our community who need it the most,” she said.
“To rally, as a group, behind those who are struggling and make sure they feel the numbers behind them.”
Volunteering Tasmania CEO Shirleyann Varney said the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate the power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of communities.
“Volunteering has long been a driver of individual and community wellbeing, supporting people’s social connections, sense of purpose as well as physical and mental health. Volunteers turn their passion into a purpose and with that become a force for change,” she said.
If you would like to become a volunteer tutor contact CatholicCare’s Multicultural Programs on 1800 819 447.
Other news you may be interested in
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