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38 people are interested
Tutoring English and Civics for Refugees
ORGANIZATION: Bilingual International Assistant Services
Please visit the new page to apply.
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38 people are interested
Spend 60-90 minutes each week assisting a refugee from a war trorn country, or oppressive government, reach their most desired goal- TO BE A US CITIZEN! Volunteers provide individual, in-home (or virtual) English and civics instruction to help adult students navigate the naturalization process. You do NOT have to speak a language other than English or possess prior teaching experience.
The legal residents we serve are unable to benefit from classroom instruction and may not be familiar with US customs and laws. Your involvement will enhance their ability to understand and engage with their new community. Your patience and kindness will help develop the communication skills and self-reliance they need to become citizens. Your dedication to their success will forge long lasting memories of appreciation and esteem for Americans.
Our Citizenship Educator matches volunteers and students and provides ongoing mentoring and study materials to both throughout the tutoring process. Many of our students come from countries where education, even in their native language, was not an option. Some of these students may require additional instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL). Most of our students reside in various areas of St. Louis City and County. Their ages range from 20-60. Many of our current students are from African and Middle Eastern countries, but we also have students from Latin America, eastern Europe, and Asia. We currently seek volunteers with knowledge of Swahili or Somali languages. However, you need not speak a foreign language to tutor most of our students.
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About Bilingual International Assistant Services
Location:
1329 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, US
Mission Statement
Our mission is to ensure equal access to healthcare, mental health, and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability, through the advocacy, education, and direct multilingual services that we provide.
Description
Bilingual International Assistant Services is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) organization established in May, 2002 by stateless refugee women. Bilingual International was founded as a response to the unmet needs of foreign-born seniors who had limited ability in the English language, were unable to navigate the intricate system of care, and often voiced fear over their future and livelihood.
In 2005, the agency began serving US-born older adults, who, despite knowledge of English, lacked knowledge of the system of care and resources. Poverty stricken, isolated seniors who were also home bound and frail sought our services to help them improve their living situations, overcome anxieties, and increase their ability to maintain community living.
In 2016, Bilingual International welcomed two long-time partner agencies: the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma and the Places for People Faith Team. These recent additions have enhanced the agency’s service portfolio - especially to refugees and survivors of state-sanctioned torture.
Free of negative bias, we advocate for and encourage legislation that promotes statewide accessible, appropriate health and social services for under-served individuals and populations. Through our services and proven track record, we not only live our mission - we go beyond expectations to help our elderly and foreign-born communities.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Multiple locations Saint Louis, MO 63110
DATE POSTED
November 15, 2023
SKILLS
- Tutoring
- Literacy / Reading
- Teaching / Instruction
- English as a Secondary Language (ESL)
- Cross-cultural Communication
- Swahili
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Background Check
- Must be at least 21
- Orientation or Training
- 60-90 minutes each week; prefer 4-6 months commitment.
- Reliable transportation, many areas are not easily accessible from public transportation. Dependable, proactive, articulate. Comfortable in situations where cultural practices and personal habits may differ from US norms.