Al-Hasan’s Volunteer Network: Professional Development Program for Teachers of Refugees & Other Underprivileged Communities
Al-Hasan’s Volunteer Network (AHVN) together with Asian Education Network (AEN) collaborated and hosted a Professional Development Program for Teachers of Refugees & Other Underprivileged Communities. This course enabled 19 participants from various background and nationalities who are either volunteering or are interested to volunteer to teach at refugee schools and other underprivileged centres. The three complimentary trainings were held on 7th, 8th and 14th September at the KL Campus of Brickfields Asia College. Mr Abad Enriquez, Chair, Board of Trustees and Executive Director of AEN, conducted the trainings by firstly explaining the difference of between lesson planning in English as Second Language (ESL) and English as Foreign Language (EFL). These are not only challenging for the teachers who volunteer but also a major challenge for the refugee community who does not speak English language previously. He then shared with the participants some of the simplified ways to teach macro-skills such as reading, writing, speaking and listening to the non-English speaking refugees. During the last training session, he shared with the participant a much more creative approach to teach the refugees on the proper pronunciation, vocabulary and communicative grammar. He further ensure that by using role playing games as part of the lesson, will guarantee attract the refugees interest in the English language. The Make It Right Movement (MIRM) supported the initiative by providing assistance in booking the venue and provision of meals. AVHN is a platform dedicated to provide volunteering opportunities through social and charitable projects. They also focus on serving the refugee and underprivileged communities. AEN is a non-profit youth-serving organisation committed to empower individuals through intercultural and experiential learning programs. Its members are from all over Asia who are youths who are willing and competent to contribute to solving global issues.
