Wanted: Good conversationalists and good listeners. If that describes you, the Winnipeg Technical College (WTC) requires community volunteers as facilitators for the new Conversation Café program.

The Conversation Café is an informal gathering of students who meet over lunch-hour with the goal of increasing their confidence to verbally express themselves. The Conversation Café will help students prepare for the conversational part of work practicums, job search, employment and workplace success.

Gerry Pearson, Conversation Café coordinator at WTC, says that the Conversation Café will be of interest to anyone who enjoys helping young people. “We are looking for volunteers who are warm and caring, interested in different cultures and able to facilitate a small group of students,” said Pearson. “Training and support will be provided to all volunteers,” she added.

The Conversation Café gatherings will be once a week from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at both our WTC Henlow Campus and our Pembina Campus. The Cafés will run from mid-January to the end of May, 2012. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment to facilitating one or two gatherings per month.

The role of Conversation Café volunteers will be to welcome participants and the facilitate conversation.

For new Canadians, the lack of English language speaking skills can negatively affect a work practicum experience and possibilities for employment. Many international students find it difficult to practice speaking English outside of class as they usually are with family and friends from the same cultural background. Strengthening English language skills and assisting to develop confidence in speaking are the focus of the Conversation Café.

The Conversation Café will support both international students – by providing an opportunity to further develop their English language speaking skills – and other students, with improved  conversation skills. “The ability to speak with ease and comfort in a group setting is an important skill in the workplace and in all aspects of life,” said Pearson. “Volunteer facilitators will really make a difference in the student’s lives.”

If you are interested in supporting and getting to know Winnipeg Technical College students as a volunteer in the Conversation Café, or for more information, contact: Gerry Pearson, 989-6575, or email, gerpea@wtc.mb.ca

Contact:
Gerry Pearson
Curriculum Development Assistant
Winnipeg Technical College
T:  (204) 989-6575
E:  gerpea@wtc.mb.ca