First year volunteer Denece Campbell is no stranger to Alta. Her first time in an Alta class did not happen when she became a volunteer at the Chaguanas Public Library one year ago, but in the very formative years of her life when she saw her mother spend her time in an Alta class. Here is her story:
"My mother was an Alta volunteer, years ago, when I was a child. I remember her taking my younger brother and me sometimes to the classes she had to teach and us marvelling at people twice her age calling her Miss. So I've always been aware of Alta and what it does for the community.
I would say that I took the ability to read and the processes involved in reading and writing for granted. When I decided to volunteer and started the training, I wondered if I was ever taught these techniques and rules at school, and I don't think I did, but all of a sudden I felt like I was now being brought fully into the "light of literacy" myself.
On my first day of teaching in a classroom, I was nervous. I wanted to make a good impression and I wanted to teach the right thing! I tried to relax and just let my personality shine through and follow the steps outlined in the training manual.
In the end I think I did a good job overall. I came from a background of team teaching, since at the time I was an instructor with the Servol Life Centres, so it's a method I enjoy very much. It adds dynamics and variety to the lesson since two very different personalities with different opinions, life experiences and teaching styles are teaching different parts of the same lesson; it makes the class livelier–more exciting and interactive. It also helps, when you make a mistake or just stuck, you have someone to bail you out.
Commitment is important in volunteer teaching because when students see that you are committed, those who really care about improving their literacy will make the extra effort on days when they are tired or feel discouraged. It is also important in order to not break the flow of students' learning and you can easily chart their progress because you are always present.
Volunteering with Alta is important to me because my mother set that first example of selfless service and giving back and I wanted that same feeling of doing good and "paying it forward." I enjoyed every bit of it. Volunteering has encouraged others around me to want to give back in other ways; when they see the sacrifice I made I think they feel kind of guilty. Two other co-workers have now applied to become Alta tutors.
I stuck with it because that is what I was taught; you start something, you finish and because I enjoyed teaching my students. I always felt I had something unique to offer them. I appreciate their willingness to learn, positive approach and independence in spite of the many challenges they face. If you are considering volunteering, give the students your best effort. They deserve it!
Then, enjoy the ride. In November I will receive my Alta certificate having completed one year of teaching. I feel proud and happy.
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Alta needs volunteers to teach at classes across Trinidad for academic year Sept 2015-June 2016. Call 624-ALTA (2582)/ 653-4656/ 664-2582 to schedule an interview and begin the process of becoming an Alta tutor. Volunteers are unpaid. Volunteer, Donate, Sponsor a student. Like us on Facebook: Alta Trinidad.