Since retiring, a Timaru volunteer continues to give migrants a voice.
Bruce Aston has been volunteering as an English home tutor for 15 years, but he is adamant he has got more out of it than he has put in.
Mr Aston was principal at Mountainview High School, before going on to run his own English language school.
Mr Aston said he believed New Zealand gained a lot from immigration; with shared culture and cuisine to name a few.
“But they do need support.”
He imagined himself in their shoes, arriving in Syria with no way of understanding anyone.
“In their position, I would love someone to help me.”
As part of this year’s International Volunteer Year, Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury are throwing a spotlight on volunteers across the region.
Mr Aston was nominated by Aoraki English Language Partners co-ordinator Susanne Smith.
Ms Smith said Mr Aston was not one to stop helping others.
“Since retiring, he has continued to support English language learners by tutoring many migrants and former refugees in his community.”
He went above and beyond for his learners, she said.
“Bruce’s genuine care and natural approach means that he also becomes their trusted friend and confidant.
“He motivates them during difficult times and understands the challenges they face — particularly feelings of isolation and alienation.
“Through his support, learners are able to settle more successfully into the community and develop a strong sense of belonging.”
Mr Aston said most of the people he tutored had highly developed skills in a wide range of areas, but without learning English they would not be able to find work easily.
Over the years, he had made many friends from different nationalities and walks of life and remained in contact with a lot of the people he had helped, he said.
One man gifted him a Brazilian team football jersey five years ago and while he and his wife had moved on to Dunedin, they still remained in touch.
However, those messages were no longer about English, but to keep each other updated on their lives.
Volunteers needed to be reasonably competent in English and they could sit a free training course, he said.
Being a home tutor could suit a widower, as it worked for social contact for them as well.
“The biggest problem with old age is loneliness, it is almost a health problem.”
Some migrants might already be able to speak English, like one highly skilled Korean doctor who simply needed to refine his already good English for an exam, while others may not have spoken English before, or even been to school.
Mr Aston was brought up in the North Island, but married a South Islander.
“She dragged me down kicking and screaming, but then I saw the light.”
But he said he was thankful for her support of his volunteering work.
“It has been good, I hope I can do it for a wee while yet.”
