ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT KIWICLASS
KiwiClass is a not-for-profit organisation that provides multicultural support services through education and employment pathways for former refugees and new migrants whose first language is not English.
The learning experience of our students is enriched through the contribution of volunteers who join our classes to provide ESOL support. Many of our volunteers have ESOL experience and/or teaching qualifications, but it is not essential. KiwiClass volunteers assist in a range of different ways across our services. They assist in ESOL programmes, Homework Club, Employment Support Team and from time to time in other areas of our organisation. We are based in central Wellington and have branches across the greater Wellington region.
Why volunteer at KiwiClass?
Our volunteers say they feel a connection with their community by helping people to gain language and practical skills necessary to integrate themselves and their families into life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. You will receive teaching tips and on the job training. We offer regular free Professional Development sessions which our teaching staff also attend. Our Volunteer Coordinator is in touch with you regularly to see how things are going and to offer support.
What do volunteers do at KiwiClass?
Volunteering in ESOL programmes: Volunteers work in the classroom under the guidance of the teacher. You may be modelling speaking/pronunciation at a slow but natural pace, or helping students who are having difficulty with an activity, or working with groups who need extra practice, or preparing activities for students to do. Training is mainly on the job, with the teacher guiding you and working with you to develop ways in which you can maximise your contribution to the students’ learning experience. Volunteers usually assist for a few hours per week across a term, semester, or year. We have morning and afternoon classes during term time as well as holiday programmes during school breaks. We ask that new volunteers commit to volunteering for a minimum of one term (9-10 weeks).
‘Volunteering in Homework Clubs: Volunteers assist secondary school students with their NCEA subjects. You may be providing support on an individual or group basis. You will be supported in the club by the Homework Club coordinator, registered teacher, ESOL teacher-aide and up to 8 other volunteers. Experience working alongside youth, and/or knowledge in a specific subject (Maths, English, Social Sciences, Sciences)Â is preferable. Whilst providing educational support, you will equally as importantly hold a role in upkeeping the youthful, fun, community based spirit of the club, by engaging and playing games with youth. Homework Clubs run after school, during term time. Check out our Homework Club page for more information.
Volunteering in Employment Support: Volunteers work alongside our Employment Support Team, assisting students who are intending to join the workforce. You may have skills and experience in recruitment and/or mentoring people who are preparing their resumes, job applications and preparing for interviews. You may be helping students to search for jobs on recruitment websites, and so on.
Volunteering in other areas: From time to time, we have volunteers who support KiwiClass with specific projects, this could include sorting or creating resources, preparing for a big event or a special class project, becoming a Board Member or running our social media campaigns. Let us know if you have any special skills.
If you would like to apply to become a KiwiClass Volunteer, click here to register your interest.
