"We are hopeful that as fall (begins), folks will be looking for ways to volunteer in the community," said Robin Chiavetta, assistant program coordinator for the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) Adult Tutoring Program. "Why not kick off your new fall routine by volunteering? We currently have a great need for tutors."

Chester County OIC is a nonprofit organization that provides free adult basic literacy education and life skills programs that prepare individuals for employment and economic self-sufficiency.

The Adult Tutoring Program currently has a need for volunteers who are willing to work with an adult student seeking to learn English as a second language, study for the GED exam or improve basic literacy. A four-year college degree is required to tutor, but a teaching background is not needed.

Tutor training is offered online by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Tutors are asked to meet with their student three hours per week, usually done in two 90-minute sessions. Pairs can meet in person at the Chester County Library in Exton, where the OIC program is based; at other libraries in the Chester County Library System; or at other mutually convenient sites. They may choose to meet virtually over Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp or other platforms.

According to Chiavetta, Chester County has become the home for many men and women arriving from various parts of the world seeking a better life for themselves and their families.

"We had (several) new tutors join our program," she reported. "Steven is working with Mary, who is from Africa. Her goal is to improve her English so that she can someday become a nurse. Theresa is working with a young woman named Susan on earning her GED. Kathy started working with Paula, (who) is from Brazil, where she worked as a pharmacist. She would like to improve her English so that she can get her certification here as well as obtain citizenship. In August, tutor Ed started working with student Elena from Moldova. We are very grateful to have these wonderful volunteers in our program.

In addition to improving their English skills, Chiavetta said, students benefit from the interaction with their tutors. "What starts as an adult tutoring program quickly becomes a source of confidence in the community for these adults," she stated. "We are building relationships." She referenced a student, Lee, who said of his tutor, Bill, "He is not just my tutor; he is also my friend."

For more information about the program, including how to become a volunteer tutor, visit http://www.ccoic.org, call the Adult Tutoring Program office at 610-344-4013 or contact Debbie Rikess, program coordinator, at drikess@cc-oic.org.