TAFE English tutors in demand
WHEN tropical disease researcher Marcia Santos moved to Townsville from Brazil, she knew she would need to improve her English to put her academic background to good use.
“It’s good when you have better English to communicate with your colleagues at work and to get a job,” she said.
“When you have to look for work, it’s better when your English is good.”
Ms Santos sought out English classes and found the Adult Migrant English Program’s home tutor scheme, funded by the Federal Government and run through TAFE.
Now TAFE Queensland North needs more tutors to expand the program to more migrants. Part- time TAFE teacher Donalda MacArthur became a tutor last year and teamed up with Ms Santos for classes in November.
Ms MacArthur said Ms Santos had proved a great student and they were now working on gaining an international English certification to allow her to work in research or higher education.
“We talk a lot about general life and Townsville and the Australian way of living,” Ms MacArthur said. Ms Santos is currently volunteering on a research project at James Cook University on the viral transmission of Ross River virus in animals but hopes the English classes will help her find permanent work.
TAFE Queensland North volunteer tutor co- ordinator Melissa Noble said training was offered to volunteers who signed up to tutor in the Adult Migrant English Program.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in helping new migrants in their community to register their interest,” she said.
Visit tafenorth. edu. au