The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre's putting out a call for volunteers as they approach the upcoming school season.

"This time of year it's important to get more volunteers as we have new students starting within our literacy program," says Program Director Cathy Dowd. "We have students transitioning from ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and going into literacy and they need extra support so often the Newcomers to Canada help with English and math, and other Canadian students who need support."

Dowd says they'll need someone to work with those students one-on-one, and the volunteers don't need a ton of experience coming in they just need to be considerate, passionate, and be willing to put in the time.

"There are teachers in the room that can help, and we have all the resources available to help (volunteers) with the students," adds Dowd. "We're quite flexible but we would like someone to dedicate two to three hours per week at least. If they can come into the class, if they can meet outside of the classroom as well, but we're flexible."

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre provides volunteers with orientation and training when they first sign up, and they have other training events throughout the year to help the volunteers become more skilled in what they're doing. Get in touch at the Portage Learning Centre to help out.