The Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC) is seeking volunteers to help out with several of their programs. The WQLC is a non-profit group that helps English-speakers of all ages in Western Quebec improve their literacy as well as numeracy and other life skills. Director Michelle Gagnon explained that they looking for volunteers to help with three different tutoring programs this year: one directed at adult learners, another on computer skills and a new one called Reading Buddies to help make reading fun for elementary school students.

She said that people can volunteer by contacting outreach@wqlc.org or by calling 1-888-647-3112. Potential tutors can learn online at their own pace or participate in one of the WQLC’s two upcoming virtual training sessions, taking place October 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and October 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. She said that they conduct interviews with potential volunteers to see where they would fit best. A background check is required, but no professional qualifications are needed.

Gagnon added that they were now beginning to offer in person tutoring to vaccinated students and volunteers, as well as continuing the virtual training that they started during the pandemic.

She said that she was hoping for as many volunteers as possible and added that there was a great need among learners that were struggling due to the pandemic’s disruption of their education.

Gagnon also pointed out that they have a virtual seminar coming up on October 5 about using QR codes. She said that this topic was selected due to the vaccine certificates in Quebec, and all the information to sign up is available on their Facebook page.

The full interview with Gagnon is available below.