As Alta continues annual student registration at classes across Trinidad, we rally our readers to share the message of our anti-stigma campaign: No shame. Go brave. You can read. Alta tutors who have completed their first year of teaching are sharing their experiences to encourage others to come volunteer their time to teaching adults to read. Here is one of our tutor testimonials.
In July 2015, I ended my first year as a volunteer tutor with Alta. It was a very enlightening and satisfying year.
In order to become a volunteer teacher, I had to first attend sessions at one of the class locations to observe the teachers and students in action. As I mentioned to the students, ”If only school was like this in my day!!” The teachers there made the classes so interesting and fun that the students could not help but enjoy the lessons while learning.
Alta does not send you into the classroom without preparation. Yes, you have to do the training sessions to see if you are suitable and really want to devote some of your time. Always, I was struck by the dedication, professionalism and energy of the co-ordinators and teachers, especially Paula who has the ability to inspire with her enthusiasm.
September 2014 began my first month teaching Alta classes. The students were eager to learn and to improve their reading and writing skills. They were appreciative, always tried their best and they knew that we were on hand to help them whenever they needed assistance. As one student mentioned that in his day, slow students did not get the help they needed.
There were also the moments when we realised how our students inspired us. What can I say about Lisa, who expressed herself so beautifully both verbally and in writing and who attended classes to improve her reading and writing skills. Her ambition is to better herself and advance in her work. And the young man who comes to class regularly and even though he is a slow learner, he perseveres. And we, the teachers are motivated by them. This relationship is definitely a win-win situation and I feel honoured to be able to help.
I would like to encourage anyone who has the ability and willingness to volunteer their time as an Alta tutor. It is very rewarding and trust me, you might be there to teach the students, but you in turn also learn so much.
Grace Bain,
Maraval Assumption RC
Parish Centre
n New student registration conducted in classes in over 50 communities. Call 624-2582/741-9454 for more info. No shame, go brave!! Volunteer, Donate, Sponsor-a-student. Like us on Facebook or check out to our YouTube Channel: Adult Literacy Tutors Association