More CLD volunteers’ stories

Stephen:  a CLD volunteer in Adult Learning 

Stephen was and still is an Adult Learner keeping his ICT skills up to date by attending the Future Skills ICT group at the Well Park Centre, Greenock once a week. Stephen has multiple health issues (including Peripheral Neuropathy and Polymyalgia Rheumatics in his legs) and needs to keep himself active. After attending the Well Park centre for about a year, Stephen felt that his health had improved to the point that getting about was less of a problem for him and was looking for other interests to keep him busy and active. The tutor in his class had noticed that Stephen was always helping other learners in the group, and that his ICT skills were actually quite advanced. She suggested that he might be interested in volunteering for CLD Adult Learning, and that there was a volunteering training session due to start the following month.

Stephen applied to volunteer and completed his training after attending all six weekly sessions. The follow on from this was Stephen’s placement which was as an assistant volunteer tutor in the Future Skills ICT/Budgeting Class at Clune Park Resource Centre in Port Glasgow. There, Stephen assists the tutor in computing and money learning which he is still contributing to. Stephen felt that he had picked up many skills during his training, particularly ‘learning-teaching methods’ and ‘handling groups’.  After having assisted a tutor for 7 months, Stephen came forward with a proposal to develop a short course on ‘Mobile Phone Photography’, which would lead to him taking his own group as a volunteer tutor.

Stephen is now a fully-fledged volunteer tutor and continues to be a valuable support to the tutor in the Clune Park Resource Centre, tutoring ICT.  When asked about his motivation to volunteer, Stephen said that:

• l learn about new skills that people need in everyday life
•  he enjoyed the social aspect of mixing with others 

In 2017 Stephen's contribution was recognised nationally when Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister present him with an individual award during Adult Learners Week.

Elizabeth: a CLD Volunteer in Adult Learning

I am a volunteer tutor with CLD in the Basic ICT programme.

Being a volunteer is all quite new to me but actually a surprise that I have managed to even be in this position.  I didn’t ever think I could help anyone in any way.

I first began my journey with an “Introduction to PC” class because someone called me stupid as I had no knowledge of computers or even interest in them.  At the class a tutor took my fears and concerns and hopes seriously- and that was enough to motivate me to explore all that was available in the community. I was like the proverbial sponge and soaked up knowhow by practical application.  I have done many, many courses both ICT and subjects I knew nothing about and I always struggled thinking everyone was much more able than me but with the support of the tutors I just kept showing up and eventually noticed I was sharing with the person next to me any tips or skills I had learnt so I realized the value of co-operation and sharing and all being in it together and the value of sheer encouragement.

As I looked on I wanted to help others in a meaningful way and to encourage another person that learning was for them no matter what had happened in the past in school etc.

Fast forward and now I get such a thrill in my own - new journey - of learning to be a volunteer tutor.

I am now developing my people skills and confidence and it always gives me such a thrill to see people coming on and over time learning something they want to or need to. If I get a thank you it helps but it is really about the learner I am helping that matters to me.

I hope ever the years to come I will have something to offer of myself and my skills to further the pleasure of another person’s journey of learning.

I would describe myself as a life- long learner.

Mary: a CLD volunteer in adult learning

I retired and very quickly found that my life had become boring!   Having hobbies was fine but I need structure in life.  Volunteering has made such a huge difference to me.  I have a sense of belonging and I still have time to be an OAP.    The people I meet both colleagues and learners bring such a smile, how can I possibly do anything else but enjoy the experience. Whatever we do in life can be enhanced by that giving to others: you may not think it but honestly have a go if you are not already volunteering.  Sharing skills or a simple conversation with someone else can be a real life-saver and an added bonus - you will meet and make new friends.

Mary with some of her learners ..