A Volunteer's Story by Kathy Mc Donald

A few years ago, I was exploring various choices for doing volunteer work.  I chose Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, for I thought it would be rewarding work and would also be an avenue for me to use my teaching experience for the good of others.    I signed up for the required classes, a total of 21 hours, and paid a fee for books for that class.   I found the class to be very helpful in learning to plan lessons, and when finished, felt fully prepared  to tutor an adult student one-on-one.      I decided to choose a student who did have English as a first language, although with my training, I could have chosen to tutor a student who had English as a second language.    My experience teaching  my student " P "  has been very rewarding.  She needed help with some basic skills such as reading maps and the bus book, as well as help with reading vocabulary and writing skills.   

We met once a week at a local library for 2 hours per session.  Literacy Volunteers suggests at least 2 hours per week per student, and they do request at the start that you be willing to devote at least 9 months to your volunteer work.  I found that meeting at a library was helpful, because of the reference materials available, and the ability to sign up for computer time at the various library branches.  "P" was very eager to learn and she never missed a meeting, for we had each other's phone numbers if we needed to reschedule a meeting.  As she mastered each skill, we decided on a new area for future work.  I reported my hours of preparation and tutoring time each month to Literacy Volunteers, and they look after any testing that might need to be done for the students.  They also have material available for the teachers to check out and/or keep for their use in the tutoring sessions. Eventually, "P"  gained confidence and improved the skills that she needed, and now can use the internet to look up information on her own.  

We stopped our classes for the summer, and in the fall she will be tested by Literacy Volunteers to she if further help is needed.  Through all of our meeting, I felt that "P" & I have also developed a friendship as an added bonus to our work together.  I believe that the volunteer work I have done for Literacy Volunteers has been very  beneficial both to my student and to myself, and
hope to continue this work in the future.  I have heard that there is a long waiting list of students that need this type of help, and would recommend Literacy Volunteers to anyone who feels they may be able to contribute to this program.

For mor information about Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, call 602-274-3430