I began volunteering as a home tutor with English Language Partners in early 2017. I had been on the lookout for some time when I chanced upon this role. It was different from anything I had done before and I was intrigued. So, I got in touch with ELP Porirua and signed up for training.
Home tutoring isn’t just about teaching English. It’s also about offering support, about being a friend and a mentor. It’s about helping migrants and refugees make New Zealand their home. As an immigrant myself, I understand how hard it can be to settle in a new country. Working with my learners has helped me revisit and understand my own journey better and I’m grateful for that.
My journey as a home tutor continues. I know, I still have so much to give …and receive.
The role of a home tutor is an enriching one. I’ve learnt so much from my learner during our in teractions. A couple of months ago, I texted my learner asking her if we could change our home tutoring session from a week day to the weekend. She texted me back saying, “You come any day. Even everyday”. That’s when I realised that my learner really looked forward to our weekly sessions. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you’re making a difference.
I’ve been involved in many other volunteer roles in the past, but home tutoring is the one I’ve found most fulfilling and satisfying, especially since it’s given me so much in return. Home tutoring has allowed me to discover a passion I didn’t know I had. It’s shown me a pathway, I had never before considered. After 17 years, I decided to study again. I am currently working towards a qualification in Adult literacy and Numeracy. ELP Porirua have been absolutely amazing in supporting me.
My journey as a home tutor continues. I know, I still have so much to give …and receive.
Pavithra Shetty
