Blackburn with Darwen - Adult Learning

ESOL (ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES) BUDDY

Would you like to be an ESOL buddy and support someone in developing their English language skills and getting to know the borough?

ESOL, English for Speakers of Other Languages is a popular programme where learners develop English language skills in reading, writing, speaking & listening.

As an ESOL buddy you will meet with a local ESOL learner and work towards some agreed goals over a specific time period. This role is designed to help ESOL learners practise their language

Your meet ups might include;

•         Going to a coffee shop and practising conversational English

•         Taking the bus

•         Going for a walk around the park

•         Having regular zoom calls

•         Joining the Library or Leisure centre

•         Helping the learner to join a local social group or activity

•         Getting digital

Volunteering as an ESOL buddy is a great opportunity for you to gain experience and develop new skills while making a difference to people’s lives. By volunteering, you will gain experience of supporting a learner, working as part of a team and experience of working with people from different parts of the world. You will also develop your communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.

Please note all successful applicants will be required to undergo a full DBS check. This cost will be covered by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Eligibility : Age 19+. A confident speaker of English- Entry 3 or Level 1 English/ESOL/literacy qualification

TASKS:

• Meeting with your buddy/learner and agreeing on goals that you will work towards over a period of 8 weeks
• Helping your buddy to practise their English language skills in different settings
• Helping your buddy to become more independent
• Helping your buddy to get more connected to the borough
• To complete minimum level training e.g. safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to the role.
• Log volunteering hours via an on-line computer system

REQUIRED QUALITIES:

• Reliable, trustworthy, willingness to work to strict safeguarding procedures
• Clear and concise communication skills in English
• Good local knowledge of Blackburn with Darwen
• Positive attitude and able to empower learners to grow in independence
• Able to respond to the needs of the learner
• Friendly, patient, calm, empathetic and reassuring
• Able to implement and stick to clear boundaries
• Flexible to meeting the learner and carrying out activities in a range of settings across the borough

TRAINING: Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer training course for this role. This will prepare volunteers for what to expect when carrying out their role.

Age:       19+,  

SCHEDULE:

This role will require the minimum of one hour per week for 8 weeks. Volunteer expenses will be provided and you will have support from the Learning English Together team/adult learning team.

There are no set days or hours for this role as these will be arranged to fit with you and your buddies schedule.

LOCATION:

Training will take place at Bank Top or Audley Learning Centres.

ESOL buddy meet ups will take place at pre-arranged locations across the borough.