Terri Potrako, executive director of the Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County, has a message for Chester County residents interested in volunteer opportunities. "If you are looking for more ways to help in the new year, please consider becoming an English language tutor," she said.

VEP, which has served the county for more than 38 years, is a nonprofit organization that provides free one-to-one tutoring for adults looking to improve their English language skills. Tutors can help students with tasks such as taking part in a job interview, speaking with a doctor or helping their child with his or her homework. Tutors also help students understand American culture.

Tutors and students are asked to make a yearlong commitment to the program. A teaching background or knowledge of another language is not necessary to become a tutor.

"This year, (we had) 226 active and available tutors (who) guided 256 adult immigrant students, with many dedicated volunteers teaching multiple students each week," Potrako reported, adding that according to the 2020 United States Census, there are more than 20,000 limited English proficient speakers in Chester County.

There are currently 90 VEP program participants who have been assessed and approved, who are currently waiting for a tutor. "We have another 199 prospective students who have reached out to us for help and are waiting for an interview assessment," Potrako said.

Those interested in learning more about tutoring are invited to attend a virtual information session on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. Individuals may email volunteer.english@volunteerenglish.org for the Zoom link.

The next tutor training workshop will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 21; Thursday, Jan. 23; and Monday, Jan. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. each morning.

According to Potrako, the tutor training workshop is designed to fully prepare volunteers to teach English to adult, non-native speakers, adding that the sessions are interactive so that attendees can communicate with the instructors.

After training and a background check, each new volunteer is matched with a student. Tutors and students may meet in person or virtually. Many choose to meet at local libraries or coffee shops.

A fee will be charged to participate in the upcoming virtual training workshop. In addition, attendees will be asked to pick up a hard-copy tutor training manual at the VEP office, located at 790 E. Market St., Suite 215, West Chester, prior to the session. Information about pickup dates will be provided after registration.

In the end-of-year VEP newsletter, Potrako emphasized that the program will continue to help newcomers from other countries achieve their goals. "We will enhance the understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and people, inspired by the idea that together with language and your support, we can change lives one person at a time, starting within our own communities," she stated.

For more information about the program or to register for the workshop, visit www.volunteerenglish.org or call the VEP office at 610-918-8222. More information and a link to register for the workshop are also available at http://www.facebook.com/VolunteerEng.

Testimonials about the program provided by students and teachers are available for viewing at http://www.volunteerenglish.org/donations.