Saskatchewan

Regina Public Library needs more English tutors to help refugees

The Regina Public Library is looking for more people willing to teach English as the city prepares for an influx of Syrian refugees.

Library says there is already a waiting list for adults needing to be matched with volunteer tutors

Syrian refugees line up to receive aid for the winter from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Tripoli, northern Lebanon. (Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters)

The Regina Public Library (RPL) is looking for more people willing to teach English as the city prepares for an influx of Syrian refugees.

The library put out the call on Tuesday. Its literacy unit offers programs to newcomers led by volunteer tutors in small-group settings.

"We anticipate that access to our literacy programs will be in higher demand, given the influx of refugees arriving in Saskatchewan," RPL Board Chair Darryl Lucke said in a news release. "We need to meet that demand and support newcomers, and we are hopeful members of the community will help us."

The library said there is already a waiting list for adults needing to be matched with volunteer tutors.

"RPL has a responsibility to nurture literacy in our city, and we have a strong reputation for helping newcomers," Lucke said. 

People interested in tutoring must have a Grade 12 diploma. They are also required to complete a training program online or in person.

Most volunteers can expect to spend about two hours per week tutoring.

You can apply to become a volunteer tutor by calling 306-777-6009.