At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in gaining essential digital skills and confidence.
- Company: CARAS, a charity empowering refugees and asylum seekers in South West London.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and access training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, tech-savvy, and passionate about education and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 ÂŁ per month.
About CARAS: Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, helping them to play their full part in the community. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. Our activities for adults include ESOL classes, sports, womenâs creative writing, womenâs coffee morning, and casework.
About the CARAS Adult Team: In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. We have observed that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.
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.
- Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths.
- âWithâ not âforâ: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL: Our ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels, providing vital skills, opportunities, and social contact.
About the Role: CARAS is looking for Digital Skills Volunteers to support our face-to-face study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The Digital Skills sessions focus on practical, accessible digital skills, such as:
- Using computers, tablets, or smartphones confidently
- Keyboard and navigation skills
- Using email and online communication tools
- Accessing learning platforms and online resources
- Online safety and digital wellbeing
- Using digital tools to support English learning, homework, and study skills
The aim of the Digital Skills sessions is to build independence, confidence, and digital inclusion, supporting young people to engage more fully with formal education and everyday life in the UK.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
- Providing one-to-one or small group support during Digital Skills sessions
- Supporting young people to use digital devices and software confidently
- Helping to set up the classroom and digital equipment
- Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session
- Sharing observations on learnersâ progress, challenges, and successes
- Working collaboratively as part of a team
- Following CARASâ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, and all other relevant policies
Requirements:
- Aged 18 years or older
- An interest in education, digital inclusion, and supporting young people
- Confident using computers, smartphones, or tablets
- Currently resident in the UK or has asylum-seeker or refugee status
- Able to provide five yearsâ worth of addresses and willing to undergo a DBS check
- Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to starting
- Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting
- Non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds
- Reliable and punctual, with a commitment of at least one session per week for a minimum of 4 months
- Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English
- Willingness to explain digital concepts patiently and clearly
- Ability to volunteer during Wandsworth term time
Desirable:
- Experience supporting young people with digital skills or IT
- Knowledge of community languages such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali, or Spanish
- Experience working with young people, refugees, or learners of English in a work or volunteer capacity
To Apply: To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS 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, âYouth ESOL â Digital Skills Volunteer.â Successful applicants will be invited to a taster session at CARAS, followed by an informal interview.
CARAS Digital Skills Volunteer employer: Caras
Contact Detail:
Caras Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land CARAS Digital Skills Volunteer
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know CARAS and its mission! Understanding the charity's values and goals will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Plus, itâll give you a leg up during interviews!
â¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers and staff at CARAS. They can provide insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out. Donât be shy; people love sharing their experiences!
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your informal interview by practising common questions related to digital skills and working with young people. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to support diverse learners.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, youâll find all the info you need to tailor your application to what CARAS is looking for. Donât miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace CARAS Digital Skills Volunteer
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Be Yourself: When filling out the application form, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so donât be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to volunteer with CARAS.
Tailor Your Answers: Make sure to read the role description carefully and tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what weâre looking for. Show us why youâd be a great fit for the Digital Skills Volunteer role!
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for supporting young people and digital inclusion. We love to see applicants who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community, so let that passion come through in your writing!
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or missing information. A polished application shows us that youâre serious about this opportunity. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caras
â¨Know CARAS Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research CARAS and its mission. Understand the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, and think about how your skills can contribute to their digital literacy programme. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the cause.
â¨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Be prepared to discuss your own digital skills and experiences. Think of examples where you've used technology to help others or improve learning outcomes. Highlight any experience you have in teaching or supporting young people, especially in a digital context.
â¨Emphasise Empathy and Patience
Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds requires empathy and patience. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully communicated with people who may not speak English fluently or who come from different cultural backgrounds. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with the community members.
â¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, donât forget to ask questions! Inquire about the specific needs of the Digital Skills group or how CARAS measures success in their programmes. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute.