Cape Fear Literacy Council seeks volunteer ESL tutors for September training

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Literacy Council is seeking volunteers to help provide free English language instruction to adults in the Wilmington area.

The organization says demand for adult education and English as a Second Language instruction has continued to increase, creating a need for more volunteer tutors.

Last year, 508 adults received services through the Cape Fear Literacy Council, with more than half participating in ESL programs. Those students represented 41 countries and 32 first languages, according to the organization.

Volunteers do not need to speak another language to participate. The ESL program focuses on teaching English, and tutors receive training and ongoing support from Literacy Council staff.

“We need to train more volunteers to keep pace with the educational needs of our community,” Executive Director Yasmin Tomkinson said. “Tutors are essential to keeping education free for our students.”

The Literacy Council said it served an average of 350 students following the pandemic, with enrollment steadily increasing since 2023.

Volunteer opportunities

ESL tutors can work with students one-on-one or lead small groups, typically meeting once or twice a week.

Volunteers can also serve as Conversation Partners, giving English language learners an opportunity to practice conversational English in a supportive environment.

The program helps students improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. It also supports adults working toward U.S. citizenship.

No previous teaching experience is required.

Potential tutors must complete a three-day, nine-hour Tutor Training Workshop. The next workshop is scheduled for:

• Sept. 14: 1-4 p.m.
• Sept. 16: 1-4 p.m.
• Sept. 18: 1-4 p.m.

A small materials fee applies.

Those interested in volunteering can register through the Cape Fear Literacy Council’s website or call 910-251-0911 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The Cape Fear Literacy Council provides free, confidential and personalized education for adults seeking to improve skills in reading, writing, math, computers, English language acquisition and test preparation, including GED and U.S. citizenship exams.