Sandy McFarlane has witnessed transformations happen one word at a time.
The president of the Cayman Islands Reading Aides says it’s one of the greatest rewards of being involved in the voluntary adult literacy programme.
‘It’s what gives you the desire to continue,’ said Ms. McFarlane, who has been involved in the CIRA programme since its inception in 1997.
She recalls one student in particular who, four weeks into their tutoring sessions, reached a major turning point.
‘One day, he jumped up out of his chair and said, ‘Miss Sandy, I have written my name!’
‘If you saw the look of joy on this young man’s face – it was totally unbelievable. He was almost dancing.’
The best part, however, was the student was able to advance at his workplace once he learned how to read and write, she said.
‘He moved on to a much higher position. That’s one experience, for me personally, that I am so proud of.’
The non-profit group is currently campaigning for volunteer tutors. After a short training session, volunteers are matched with a student on a one-to-one basis, with resource materials provided free of charge thanks to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Central. Student and tutor arrange a time and place to meet, generally twice a week for an hour to an hour and a half at each session.
Along with one-to-one tutoring, CIRA offers classes in basic literacy skills at Northward and Fairbanks prisons as well as advanced tutoring for inmates who have already mastered the basics.
Training and resource co-ordinator Sameena Hafiz says the amount of time a volunteer tutor invests pays big dividends for students.
‘People just sort of come alive. Every time you see them, they’re more confident.’
Ms. Hafiz, who has been volunteering with the programme for seven years, says people are often reluctant to come forward for literacy tutoring – admitting they can’t read or write is often something even their closest friends don’t know.
‘It takes a lot of courage to take that first step,’ she said, noting the programme does its best to ensure student confidentiality.
She said CIRA lost many of its regular tutors after Hurricane Ivan. Resource materials were also damaged.
‘The hurricane set us all back but our spirits are still alive. We’re just going to go forward.’
Ms. McFarlane, an executive assistant with the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange, added that giving back to the community is particularly vital after Ivan.
‘People are under stress and they need to channel this into something positive. When you are tutoring someone, you have to concentrate on that person, so all thoughts about your personal problems disappear. You just concentrate on giving a gift that comes so naturally to you.
‘Then you’re able to go back and be more positive with your family and in your job. You’re going to make the community much better as a whole by enriching that person’s life.’
Ms. McFarlane said CIRA’s volunteer recruitment drive has already brought several new tutors on board.
‘There is a lot of goodwill out there and I find that so encouraging.’
To volunteer or for more information on Cayman Islands Reading Aides, call 945-1934.
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