Said and Judy run a volunteer-led class in basic English literacy and numeracy on a Tuesday afternoon; primarily aimed at asylum seekers who do not yet have access to College or Adult Education classes.
Both have spent their working lives in education; Said worked mainly in English teaching and Judy’s speciality was special education for blind and partially sighted children. Apart from volunteering at RMC, Judy enjoys walking in the countryside, researching her family history and doing voluntary work for various other organisations. Said in his spare time dabbles in art and pottery.
All of us are very enthusiastic about the work of the RMC and appreciate the dynamic staff working here. We love the challenge of teaching and the sheer pleasure of meeting people from so many different parts of the world.
Their English class is one of the most popular classes RMC runs. As it has grown, the class has now had to be split in two to fit everyone into classrooms with 30+ students coming along to the drop in sessions at times.
Moving online through Covid
Even throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Judy has continued to provide English classes online for students to access with many students now watching along in asylum accommodation to improve their English. This has grown over time and now has over 1000 views on YouTube, plus has spawned an online Zoom class each week with several students.
Additional support & fundraising
Not only do our volunteers teach a wide range of students and help them learn and develop, but they support RMC’s additional projects. Judy submitted recipe’s (and brought in examples) for the Refugee Week cookbook, and Said has hand designed Christmas cards to raise money the last few years.
