Here at iACT, volunteers are central to the effectiveness of our programs. One volunteer who greatly enriches our Refugee Program with his unwavering service is Bob.

Bob began volunteering for iACT back in January of 2012. In the two years since he started, Bob has helped the program to acquire nine computers and the funding for software needed for an English-learning computer lab. The fully-equipped lab is nestled between our ESL classrooms at Central Presbyterian Church. Students are invited to use the computers to supplement their English learning in the classrooms. Bob even stays after class ends so that students can have the opportunity to go to their ESL class and then use the intensive English software afterwards. When students are in the lab, Bob transforms into super computer lab monitor. He is on constant alert, watching for students who need help getting to the next lesson, skipping a lesson that is too easy, or explaining how to speak into the microphone when the program asks them to. Some students come to the lab having no prior experience with computers. Bob patiently teaches them how to move the mouse and click on the selection or to find letters on the keyboard. Imagine teaching someone how to use a computer, in a language he or she does not understand, when the individual has never used one before in his or her life. That is what Bob does every day in the ESL computer lab. Because of many successful experiences in the computer lab, it is a very popular feature among our students.

Bob graciously volunteers his time with us three days a week (of the four that we have classes), and we are very glad to have him as part of the team. Bob and his computer lab are great assets to the Refugee program. Thanks Bob!

Written by Meghan Monson, iACT for Refugees Program Assistant