On this page: Tutoring | Speaking/Hosting | Tax Filing Volunteers | Support PELC
Volunteer with PELC!
We need you! We want you! Prince Edward Learning Centre is a community-based organization that provides accessible literacy training services to empower adults to reach their goals and improve their quality of life.
Our Adult Literacy Tutors …
- Work with a student for a minimum of 1 hour per week using a learner plan that has been designed based on their goals and the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework. Meetings are expected to happen on a regular basis. The tutor and learner agree on a time to meet
- Respect the confidentiality and privacy of the learner
- Keep records of hours spent tutoring, lesson plans, etc. and share them with the classroom instructor
- Provide ongoing updates on learner progress to the classroom instructor
- Prepare lesson plans to meet the needs and goals of the learner
- Let staff know immediately if an uncomfortable or emergency situation should arise
- Let the Executive Director or classroom instructor know immediately if they and their student are taking some time off, even for a short period of time
- Attend training sessions as required by PELC
What Skills do Tutors Need?
- An understanding of the needs of the learner and the challenges they have had in the learning process
- Ability to listen to what the learner has to say and providing words of encouragement and support
- Patience and flexibility to support the learning needs of the learner. Some learners take longer to reach their goals than others
- Creativity in developing lesson plans to motivate and engage the learner
- Ability to effectively work with people from diverse backgrounds
- Good oral and written communication skills in English
Do Tutors Need to be Teachers?
Although we have teachers who volunteer with us, our tutors come from many different occupations and backgrounds. The skills mentioned above are the most important to our learners.
Who are our Learners?
Some of our learners have not had successful learning experiences with the school system; some had to leave school early due to work or health, or have minor learning disabilities and/or other barriers to learning. The request for tutoring may stem from requiring further education, training or improved self-reliance. All of the learners are at a point in their lives where they want help with their literacy skills.
Benefits of Tutoring
Being an Adult Literacy Tutor is a rewarding volunteer experience. When a tutor sees a learner reach a goal as simple as being able to read a note from a child’s teacher, it is a memorable moment. When a tutor sees a learner take the next step to further education or get and keep a job, it is magic. When a tutor sees a learner beam with confidence with increased independence and self-reliance, it is humbling. When a tutor sees a learner reach their goal because of the tutor’s influence and time, it is truly awe-inspiring.
(*Thanks to The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region)
If you would like to volunteer, please call to make an appointment: (613) 476-1811
Speaking & Hosting Opportunities
Got a story to share? Participate in our as a guest speaker, and help our learners explore local opportunities and build community connections. Or host an experiential learning opportunity. Our students love field trips!
Contact PELC to discuss the opportunities — a short-term commitment with a big return.
Volunteer with our Free Tax Clinics
Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer experience that makes a big difference in people’s lives? Consider helping people file simple tax returns through our free tax clinics! The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program runs through March and April. All training is provided, and no formal background in accounting is necessary.
Read about opportunities with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Support our Learning Fund
Another meaningful way to assist adult students in reaching their learning and employment goals is to donate to our learning fund. Prince Edward Learning Centre is a registered charity and can issue a tax receipt for donations.
Thank you for your generous support!
PRINCE EDWARD LEARNING CENTRE
Our Door is Open! Your Future is Bright!
97 Main Street, Unit 10 Rexall Plaza, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
(613) 476-1811
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 4pm
Tuesday 9am to 7pm + Friday 9am to noon
