English Language Program: Danowski

www.immigrantscanada.comVolunteer Program Dept: Once his children started university, Brian Danowski found he had a little more free time on his hands. He decided to put it to good use by becoming a volunteer with the University of Winnipeg's English-language program, according to Winnipeg Free Press. He explained that the premise of the volunteer program is simple -- it matches international students with volunteers who can help the students improve their conversational English skills outside a classroom setting. Each term lasts 14 weeks and volunteers are asked to dedicate at least one hour a week to the student with whom they're matched. Danowski said he often starts off by meeting at a coffee shop and then once a sense of trust and rapport is established, he likes to show them the sights, taking them on a hike, or to a hockey game and bORIS MINKEVICH / Once Brian Danowski s children started university, he gained added spare time which he has put to use helping international students learn better English. He said volunteering with the program seemed like a natural fit -- not only had his family billeted exchange students for his daughter's school in the past, but his own children had travelled overseas and enjoyed the hospitality of several families who opened their homes. This was a way for him to pay that back. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news. www.immigrantscanada.com    .  .