At a Glance
- Tasks: Support online ESOL classes and help learners improve their English skills.
- Company: Join CARAS, a charity empowering refugees and asylum seekers since 2002.
- Benefits: Gain teaching experience, meet new people, and access training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible role with a friendly team; travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, reliable, and passionate about education and diverse cultures.
About CARAS Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
- Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
- Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
- Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
- ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About the CARAS ESOL Team: Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.
About the Role: CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our online Zoom classes on Monday mornings: ESOL Entry 2+ level: 1:30 am to 2:30 pm (plus a 10‑minute debrief). Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. As a volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistant your role is flexible and varied. It will involve supporting the Adult ESOL Teacher in the delivery of online Zoom classes, as well as providing learners with one‑to‑one or small‑group support.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
- Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes.
- Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources.
- Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session.
- Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class.
- Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project.
- Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential.
- Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements.
- Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Essential Requirements:
- To be 18 years or older.
- Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed).
- An interest in education and English language teaching.
- To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
- To be reliable and punctual.
- Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English.
- The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months.
- Currently resident in the UK; has asylum‑seeker or refugee status.
- Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check.
- Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will:
- Gain experience of English language teaching.
- Meet new members of your local community.
- Learn about different cultures.
- Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.
- Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.
- Develop your skills and competencies.
- Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
- Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
To Apply: To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the volunteer application form using this volunteer role description to inform your answers. Email your completed form to Mirza at volunteering@caras.org.uk with the email subject header, “ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS youth staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
Adult ESOL Teaching Volunteer (Online, Wednesdays) employer: Caras
CARAS Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering refugees and asylum seekers through education and community engagement. With a strong focus on kindness, justice, and empowerment, CARAS fosters a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. Volunteers can expect to gain valuable teaching experience, connect with diverse communities, and receive training opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adult ESOL Teaching Volunteer (Online, Wednesdays)
✨Tap into Local Education Networks
Get involved with local adult education centres or community colleges. They often have volunteer opportunities and can connect you to like-minded folks who are passionate about lifelong learning. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to the education field!
✨Join Relevant Online Communities
Explore forums and social media groups dedicated to adult education. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have active communities where you can showcase your willingness to help and gain insights. You might even come across volunteer gigs shared by fellow educators looking for support.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops and seminars related to adult education in your area. These events are perfect for meeting educators and organisations that might be looking for volunteers. Plus, it's a fantastic chance to upskill yourself and learn the ropes of the industry.
✨Get Involved with Non-Profits
Many non-profit organisations focus on adult education and are always on the lookout for volunteers. Research local ones and reach out to offer your assistance. If they have a project or programme you're interested in, let them know – they’ll often appreciate your initiative and passion for learning!
We think you need these skills to ace Adult ESOL Teaching Volunteer (Online, Wednesdays)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning:When you're applying for a volunteer role in adult continuing education, let your enthusiasm for teaching and learning shine through! Mention any relevant experiences or projects where you've helped others learn, whether it’s leading workshops, tutoring, or even informal mentoring. We all know that enthusiasm can be contagious, especially in education!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Include any past volunteer work, professional experiences, or personal projects that showcase your commitment to adult education. If you’ve developed any course materials or facilitated learning sessions, be sure to mention them! This is your chance to show how your unique background aligns with the mission of Caras.
Include Certificates or Training:If you've got any training or certifications related to adult education—like teaching methodology or learning facilitation—don't forget to add those to your CV. These credentials can really help us gauge your readiness to jump into the role and make an impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share why you want to volunteer specifically with Caras and how you can contribute to our mission. This is not just any role—make it clear how your values align with ours and what you hope to learn from this experience. A personal touch can really set your application apart and show your genuine interest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caras
✨Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education, make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others learn. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to education and skill development, as they will really resonate with your interviewers at Caras.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your ability to engage adult learners and handle diverse learning needs. Be ready to discuss real-life examples of how you’ve adapted your teaching methods or materials to support different learning styles—this will show the team at Caras you can think on your feet!
✨Emphasise Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, your soft skills, like empathy, patience, and communication, are paramount. Highlight experiences where you’ve effectively communicated complex ideas to various audiences or resolved conflicts, as these traits will be especially valued in adult education at Caras.
✨Show Off Your Community Engagement
Since this is a volunteer position, don’t just talk about your qualifications—show how you’ve contributed to your community in the past. Whether it’s running workshops or mentoring, bring along any relevant success stories or feedback to share with Caras, which will illustrate your proactive approach and dedication.
