Sharing a passion for learning languages

Meet Radmilla, a long time Hounslow resident originally from Yugoslavia who had experience as a teaching assistant and wasn’t sure what was next for her. 

About two years ago, I was at a crossroads work wise, after a particularly rough patch, and a good friend recommended LEAH. So, I tried it and surprised myself in many ways.

Radmilla joined the online LEAH training course in July 2023. Even though she had experience of teaching children, the six-week course enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of the students that LEAH supports and learn techniques to teach adults speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The short two-hour sessions each week also enabled her to meet others like her who had a passion for teaching. 

I found my tribe, an immense sense of belonging and purpose within the group of people helping each other.

 Radmilla has a multicultural background and speaks five languages, and she has passed on this love of languages to the rest of her family. Her journey with LEAH has led her to formalise her teaching. Following an advert in the LEAH volunteer newsletter, she enrolled in a formal English teaching qualification and is now completing a TEFL course at college. 

However, for Radmilla it isn’t about getting people to speak perfect English. She wants them to gain the confidence to talk with others and share their thoughts, opinions and lives. When she supported her first learner last year they initially met online, but subsequently met at the local library which helped speed up the learning process. 

We were meeting on Zoom , and it was a weird experience for both of us.  I could not get her talking, saying more than one word at the time.  A sentence was the goal, no matter the length.  Later I arranged to meet her in person, and it has helped to establish rapport. We were both much more relaxed later using the online platform. We trusted that we could understand each other regardless of imperfections.  That was the best moment with my learner.

Please note names have been changed.

Do you have experience of learning English as a second language? Join the LEAH volunteer team and share what you learned with others.  

Inspired and ready to volunteer complete an application today.

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