Volunteers needed to help English learners

Imagine that your son is living with autism, a serious neurological disorder requiring focused learning techniques that can be unique to each child. Now, imagine that you cannot advocate for his educational rights because you lack the English language skills to communicate his learning needs to his teachers. Shiei Kuida, a Japan native who has been living in the United State since 1993, did not imagine this story. She lived it.

During teacher/parent meetings, Shiei would listen as her son’s teachers and a behavioral therapist discussed her son’s performance, but she could not participate in the conversation, nor could she advocate for her son’s learning needs because she did not speak English well enough. She became frustrated and felt powerless.

Shiei called English At Large, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, and was matched with volunteer tutor Meredith Clark.

“Meredith helped me read and understand the psychologist’s reports by picking out words that I didn’t know and talking about them,” said Shiei. “We wrote what I wanted to say in meetings, and she taught me how to write effective emails requesting information or giving directions. Because I was able to express myself in English, there were no miscommunications.”

English At Large has helped thousands of English learners like Shiei gain the English skills and confidence needed to fully engage in their communities. Every day, English At Large volunteers like Meredith help adults change their lives, advocate for their families, and achieve their educational and career goals.

If you want to learn more about the valuable work this organization and its volunteers do for the community, attend the Volunteer Open House for the public hosted by EAL volunteers and staff at the Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., Waltham, on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register at http://bit.ly/EALOpenHouse. Walk ins are also welcome.