Volunteer Spotlight – Janine

At Prace, we have been fortunate to have passionate and dedicated volunteers who contribute to our vibrant learning community. Today, we shine a spotlight on Janine, who has made a remarkable impact in our computer classes for adults.

Janine began volunteering at Prace in July 2022 after discovering the opportunity through Seek Volunteer. With her background in computer training and a passion for helping others, volunteering in the computer classes was a natural fit for her skills and interests.

Making a Difference in the Classroom

Janine worked closely with Daniela, the trainer, who praised her for her ability to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. Daniela shared,
“Janine is an exceptional volunteer who has made a profound impact on our students with her warm demeanour and enthusiasm. She effortlessly connected with students, helping them overcome their fears and build confidence in using computers.”

For Janine, the experience was equally rewarding. Reflecting on her time at Prace, she said:
“I loved helping people get over their fears and building their confidence. It was rewarding to see them getting to grips with computers, especially knowing how isolating it must have been during the lockdowns for those who couldn’t use technology to stay connected with friends and family.”

Her work with older adults reminded her of how much we take technology for granted. She remarked,
“For some of us, computers feel instinctive, but I realised that’s not the case for everyone. Volunteering showed me how important patience and encouragement are when teaching these skills.”

Advice for Future Volunteers

Janine encourages anyone considering volunteering with Prace to take the leap:
“Do it! You’ll meet people from all different backgrounds and cultures, which is incredibly enriching. It’s important to be patient and realistic about your ability to help others. The experience is as rewarding for you as it is for the students.”

Janine’s time with us was truly invaluable, and we are so grateful for her contributions. Thank you, Janine, for being a part of the Prace family and leaving a lasting impact on our students.

If you’re inspired by Janine’s story consider volunteering with Prace! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and offer a variety of roles to suit different skills and interests. For more information on how you can get involved, click on the button below.