We are proud of and thankful for the resourceful, resilient, skilled, and dedicated people who volunteer at Frontier College programs in communities across the country.
As new education needs surface, in a country where 1 in 5 people struggle with literacy, our volunteers breathe life into our programs and take literacy to places where people study, live, and work.
This National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), we would like to recognize some of the volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support literacy in Canada.
Thank you for helping to change lives through literacy.
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Disha, Toronto
"Volunteering at the Bookroom was a pleasure. Being surrounded by brand new books, with the purpose of spreading the joy of reading driving me—I couldn't ask for a better way to spend a day. And of course, working with Laura is the icing on the cake. She is one of the most competent, empathetic, and engaging people I have had the pleasure of working with!
I cannot say enough good things about my time volunteering at the Bookroom, and I hope to be back soon."
Volunteer, Frontier College Bookroom
2016-present
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If there is one word to describe Tyrah, it would be "dedication." Tyrah has volunteered at three different homework help programs, including transitioning to our virtual program with Westdale Secondary.
She uses her passion and knowledge to inspire students in every session; she is a great mentor and role model and an outstanding volunteer.
Thank you for your dedication to Frontier College Hamilton!
Volunteer Tutor
2017-present
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Among many things, Carl displayed high enthusiasm, great rapport building, and a vast knowledge on math concepts. His intelligence and goofy attitude allowed him to connect with learners in an unique and fun way.
"Frontier College is a remarkable literacy organization, with an essential mandate, led by a group of dedicated staff and volunteers. Together, they demonstrate wholehearted commitment in providing accessible educational opportunities to all those who seek their help."
Volunteer Tutor
2020-present
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"I love working with people and learning new things, as well as sharing what I know with others. I strive to treat everyone with compassion and respect, regardless of their background.
I am part of the following programs: One-to-one Tutoring, Math Club, and Reading Circle. I chose to volunteer with Frontier College as its goal of improving literacy aligns with the career I aspire towards. I also hoped to gain memorable experiences and valuable lessons from those I volunteer with and have been doing just that."
Volunteer Tutor
2020-present
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Nadia is an electrical engineer from Pakistan. She came to Canada more than a decade ago. After coming to Canada, she completed her MBA from the University of Saskatchewan, and has taught there and at different settlement agencies for newcomers in Saskatoon. She joined Frontier College as a volunteer to be of service to others.
Nadia likes to travel and paint.
“I learned a lot from Nadia, She is very nice and patient, I am grateful to her.” -- Nadia's learner
Volunteer Tutor
2021
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Estelle, along with some of her peers, started Restorit: "A student-led company that repurposes old books into meaningful tools for everyday life!"
Their small team takes books that would otherwise be thrown away and makes custom boxes out of them, with proceeds donated to Frontier College to buy new books for kids in need.
"If everyone is willing to do something for our community, it will grow and become a better place. It is worthwhile to support each other and see the positive impacts our work has on others."
Volunteer and entrepreneur
2019-present
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"I thought volunteering with Frontier College would be a nice way to spend a little bit of time each week helping a child improve their reading skills. But I have gained so much more than I ever expected. I have learned a ton of new ways to encourage reluctant readers and writers; my computer skills are improving; and I have rediscovered the joys of the online public library.
Our Circle's leaders are absolutely the best. They are creative, patient, kind and very supportive. All this on top of having the pleasure of spending a nice time each week with a child discovering the wonderful world of literacy! It doesn't get much better."
Volunteer Tutor
2021-present
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Debbie has been volunteering in the Lethbridge 1:1 program for the past two years, both in-person and online. She just completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Lethbridge. She plans on eventually specializing in pediatrics or labour and delivery.
“It’s wonderful seeing the excitement of the children each week. Watching the children grow and succeed has been tremendous. I love seeing how excited the children are to show me what they’ve been doing in school all week!”
Volunteer Tutor
2019-present
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"I have noticed a gain in confidence for both my learner and myself. We have been on this journey together discovering the ups and downs of remote learning but I know that our times together brightens both our days. I also believe that my learners' time at school is more enjoyable when we are able to get together and we both enjoy teaching each other new things.
For me, my journey with my learner has focused on socialization but I know we have both come out of this experience learning new skills and fun facts. So thank you Frontier College (and all the volunteers who help to make it possible) for this opportunity and experience I have gained on this journey!"
Volunteer Tutor
2019-present
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"I've been volunteering for Frontier College since 2016. At first, I was only doing the reading tents. This program allowed me to share my passion for reading with many kids without having to take on too many responsibilities.
In 2019, I started tutoring which I found to be a bit harder at first, but so much more rewarding. Through tutoring, I've been able to witness kids progress and develop an interest in learning. Especially since I started doing online tutoring, I've been able to really get to know the children I'm helping and I started taking pride in their accomplishments."
Volunteer Tutor
2016-present
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Over the years, Kate has had a number of roles, including working with students in the St. Andrew's community, taking on a leadership role for the Reading Club, and working as an intern in 2019.
She is a valuable asset to the work we are doing in Nova Scotia and her time is appreciated by many.
"I am constantly impressed with how well the children I tutor have adapted to online learning, I have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing young learners who come every week, their enthusiasm and adaptability to this new way of learning is so encouraging and makes my tutoring sessions the highlight of my week."
Volunteer Tutor
2015-present
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Jun in a meeting with his learner |
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"I am a volunteer tutor with Frontier College in the Multicultural Association of Fredericton Homework Help Program. I have been tutoring high school level math to a newcomer in our community. Through volunteering, I gained valuable experience in leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Because of the pandemic, tutoring has been a different experience, but [we] quickly adapted to the online learning environment. The joy from explaining a concept and the learner fully comprehending the material because of your help is the best feeling in the world."
Volunteer Tutor
2019-present
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Are you interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities?
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Frontier College
Canada's original literacy organization
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