Yellowknife (Feb 14/03) - If you can read this sentence then you can volunteer to be a literacy tutor.

The Volunteer Literacy Tutor program offered through Aurora College seeks energetic volunteers looking to share their enthusiasm for reading, writing and arithmetic.

"We're always in need of tutors. There is always someone in need of a tutor," said Paula Letemplier, literacy co-ordinator at Aurora College.

The program is one of four literacy-based programs operating through the Aurora College Literacy Outreach Centre. It offers adults the opportunity to improve their reading, writing and math skills in a supportive open environment outside of class time.

Much like the Yellowknife Big Buddies program, the tutor and student are matched up based on skills, preferences and compatibility.

Adult students usually come in with a set goal, said Letemplier. Everything from upgrading, employment demands, exams, driving tests or assistance with an English course brings people into the centre.

And the skill levels are just as varied. Some can read but want to do it better while others are learning their ABCs.

"They are here because they want to be here which makes teaching this program really rewarding," said Letemplier.

A great relationship

Gordon Graydon has been tutoring for nearly 10 years in the literacy program.

He got involved because he thought it would be something different to volunteer for.

"I periodically volunteer for things and thought I'd give it a shot," he said.

Most of the decade he's been volunteering has been spent with Omar Aatahmed.

Aatahmed, a Moroccan native who moved to Yellowknife in 1989, wanted to improve on reading and writing English, so he joined the program.

The two try to meet once a week -- depending on Aatahmed's work schedule. Graydon helps Aatahmed with anything he needs. They've read maps, researched investment options on Aatahmed's computer and worked through training courses together.

"I get better all the time," said Aatahmed, adding he also reads a lot more than he did when he started.

"Omar speaks more easily, he's more relaxed," agrees Graydon.

"Go get a tutor or two if you are on shift work because that helps," suggested Aatahmed to potential candidates.

Aatahmed and Graydon are one of 19 active pairs in the program. Letemplier said she has 12 students on the ever-fluctuating waiting list.

A good volunteer is someone who "has the ability to read and the desire to help somebody else," said Letemplier.

Tutoring doesn't involve teaching, just supporting and assisting the student, she said.

Tutors should be able to commit two hours a week to meet with their partner to help them achieve their goals.

For more information contact the Aurora College Literacy Outreach Centre.