My Nonprofit Reviews

I remember writing a review like this before (online for AIWR), so I guess I have been volunteering for over a year but it doesn't feel like it. I help a woman in Afghanistan to develop her English skills. It takes 60-90 minutes of my time every week. I have seen her improve over time and it is really rewarding. She is so bright and thinks I have a wonderful sense of humor! I am an ESL teacher by trade but doing this as a volunteer has really developed my skill set. I have gained a much deeper understanding of how a foreign language learner develops their reading and comprehension skills (i.e. not just translating every word but translating groups of words together). It has been very engaging for both of us.

I teach English as a Second Language. I started doing this five years ago after spending twenty years practicing law in Canada. Since then, I have taught in China and now Saudi Arabia. I tutor a woman in Afghanistan who works in the legal system. My background allows me to help her improve her English. But I also try to pick readings that allow her to develop her ability to analyze different readings in English and look for deeper meaning in the text. I am always energized by our time together and I am amazed at her courage in taking on such a role in her country. I would never have made the connection with her without AIWR. My volunteering takes two hours per week total including preparation time - it really is quite easy for me to do. But I believe my volunteering with AIWR has the potential to have incredible impact on her life and on her ability to have an impact on women's rights in Afghanistan. A few hours here and there can make a big difference in the life of a woman in a less developed country.