It's been a great few months at the Tutorfair Foundation. With an upsurge in the number of volunteers supporting our cause, we have been able to extend support to more schools across the country. We reached out to Vimal, our maths volunteer, who has supported us over the past few month to find out a bit more about his volunteering experience.A little bit about you - your story up to now and where you are after the lockdown!
I completed my masters degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked as a Scientist in India for many years. In 2011, I settled down in the UK with my wife and two children while working as an Airbus Engineer. COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many valuable lessons. The lockdown gave me and my family the opportunity to evaluate our lives and encouraged us to give back to our community. Therefore, I decided to get involved and help others. While exploring volunteering opportunities, I came across the Tutorfair Foundation and their online maths tutoring opportunity. I felt really excited as I love teaching maths. I am hoping that online opportunities remain a constant even after the pandemic, especially for those who are in full time work but would like to volunteer.
How have you found teaching online? Does it fit OK with the way you like to tutor? Do you enjoy it or are you finding it taxing?
Initially, I was a bit nervous about the online interaction and being able to engage the learners during the session. However, after the short training sessions from Tutorfair Foundation, I was able to put into practice what I had learnt from the team and other tutors. Being able to help others from the comfort of my own home was an added bonus. The issue with conventional volunteering set up is the limitations around working hours and the commute. Online tutoring removes those barriers and gives me the opportunity to help others.
How have you found the technology? What issues have you had and have you managed to find solutions?
I enjoy delivering sessions via Bramble. It's a wonderful tool and makes life easier for both the student and the tutor. The platform is interactive and I find the session export very helpful. Poor Wifi can affect the platform however this is something beyond the tutor and students' control. The Foundation team was at hand to assist with any issue that arose.
Would you recommend the programme to other tutors? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would encourage others to join hands with the Tutorfair Foundation to do something that can change and make someone's life better. It is such a rewarding experience and you might be surprised at how much you learn too.
Take the next step... join us today!
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