Leonie Girvan enjoys helping others. 75934 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Vanessa Chircop
FOR many new migrants arriving in Australia, the most difficult obstacle to overcome is learning the language of their new home.
But people like Leonie Girvan help make the adjustment that little bit easier by volunteering their time with AMES.
Through AMES, Leonie spends one hour a week assisting and conversing with a Russian migrant and is loving every minute of it.
“I thought it would be a nice way to help someone else out,” she said.
Though Leonie’s new arrival wasn’t an absolute beginner, she does need assistance learning Australian slang, phrases and expressions.
“Some need help with learning the time, money and how to go to the shops.”
Through the AMES program Leonie is not only assisting the resident with her day-to-day English but also helping her work to gain a personal training qualification.
“I’m someone she can come back to.
“It’s not easy – she’s constantly having to switch her brain from her natural language to English … she often underestimates how well she is doing.
“To see the difference in the short time we’ve been doing it is really rewarding.”
The Hobsons Bay resident said she gets as much out of the volunteering as her eager student.
“It’s a great way to learn about other cultures and communities and other parts of the world.”
AMES is currently seeking more volunteers to spend one or two hours a week with a new migrant.
For more information about the program call Rosemary Harman on 9366 0433.
