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Cowichan's VIU celebrates their volunteer tutors

Vancouver Island University Volunteer Tutor program are in need of more people to make a difference for their students

Vancouver Island University in Duncan celebrated those talented teachers who give their time to the campus's Volunteer Tutor Program on Nov. 27 with an appreciation luncheon while all the tutors in attendance took away tokens of thanks. 

VIU's Volunteer Tutor Program has been active since the mid-1980s. It connects volunteer tutors with adult learners to provide one-on-one assistance, encouragement, and support across a wide range of subjects including writing, math, sciences, and foundational literacy — and for many adult learners, these dedicated tutors play a pivotal role in helping them achieve both their educational and personal goals. 

“The Volunteer Tutor Program was launched as part of VIU’s commitment to supporting learners and their communities in reaching their fullest potential,” said program coordinator Amy Woermke. “As an open-access institution, we believe in fostering an environment where everyone matters and where students receive the support they need to thrive.” 

One volunteer who has been doing his share of helping students thrive is Michael Babty who has been a dedicated tutor with the program for roughly five years. What he finds particularly rewarding are the times he is able to provide some information by way of a practical example to a problem which the student readily identifies with. 

“It gives them the opportunity to remember the point,” said Babty. “The students themselves bring youth and experience into the review sessions, and because the tutors are not formal teachers, we have some freedom to get to know the student, and lighten the experience by sharing some jokes and stories. 

Babty said one of his own best and most rewarding experiences is when one of his former students rushed over to say hello to him out in the community in Duncan and spoke about how it was him who mentored her dad through a course in finance which he was able to master with distinction. 

“This result allowed him to successfully apply for a position with one of the major banks in Victoria,” said Babty. “By this time he had been at his new job for some months and was totally happy with his employer. Marks of success like this are what we are trying to achieve.” 

Woermke said the program was created initially to assist students in Academic and Career Preparation and help those who were upgrading for university entry or working toward completing their high school education. Since its inception it has expanded to serve students across all VIU faculties and now operates on three campuses including Cowichan, Nanaimo and Powell River. Woermke, who just took on the role of program coordinator, said she has been sincerely and deeply impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the tutors. 

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is connecting students with knowledgeable, passionate tutors from our community and witnessing the positive impact they have on students’ academic journeys,” said Woermke. 

The volunteer program, which currently has 30 tutors, is searching for more good souls to help strengthen the minds of their students as each semester they receive about 150 requests for tutoring, primarily in the areas of Adult Basic Education, Math, and English. 

“All our tutors are volunteers who generously offer their time to help students and have the flexibility to set their own schedules, whether they tutor in person or online,” said Woermke. “We provide training to tutors as well as networking opportunities for all tutors through tutor meetings and events. Ideally, we would like to have at least 30 tutors dedicated to the Cowichan campus, especially in these high-demand subject areas, to better meet student needs.” 

Those who are interested can email Woermke at amy.woermke@viu.ca

“The role of a tutor is vital in bridging academic gaps and building student confidence,” said Woermke. “Tutors not only provide academic support but also empower students with the tools they need to succeed independently. Through one-on-one guidance, they create a safe and encouraging environment where students feel motivated and supported, enhancing their overall learning experience. A tutor’s influence often extends beyond academics, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging in the student, which can be transformative for both their studies and their own personal growth.” 



About the Author: Chadd Cawson

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