Q: I am not a Malaysian, can I still volunteer?

A: Yes! All are welcomed. Our aim is to help out these children and as long as you are able to do so, you are qualified! Your nationality does not matter.

Q: I have no teaching experience at all. Can I still join?
A: Yes! You do not need professional training. All we want is your enthusiasm and energy in tutoring the students the way you would tutor a younger sibling or child.

Q: Who may volunteer for this project?
A: Anyone who is interested in helping students read and write. Anyone who is passionate about education. Someone who thrives on challenges and meeting goals. Someone who just want to help!

Q: Will transport to the school(s) be provided?

A: Yes, HELP University has generously provided us with a van (which seats 14 people) and a driver. The van will depart from HELP University main block. However, due to the limited space available, please use personal vehicle if you are able to, to allow other people use the van. Please contact us here to secure a seat.

Q: What if I can’t make it to HELP?

A: Alternatively, you can go to Taman Paramount LRT station and our founder, Brian Geh will personally come to pick you up. If this arrangement is still not suitable for you, let us know and we will arrange something for you.

Q: Is proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia a must?

A: It is not a must, but it may be helpful for some of the children as not many of them are fluent in English.

Q: What if I speak only English?
A: Knowing Bahasa Melayu, Chinese or Tamil would be an added advantage. You would probably face extra challenges if you speak only English, but it should not be a deal-breaker.

Q: What should I wear?
A: As you will be on school premises, please dress appropriately! The kids you will be tutoring are 13 to 15 year old. Casual is fine, as long as it is not revealing. No sleeveless shirts or skirts above knee level. Jeans and T-shirt are probably safest. Also,  shoes, please; no slippers.

Q: Is regular attendance necessary? What if I have not decided whether to fully commit myself? What if I am not available every week?

A: It is preferred that you should commit yourself to attend regularly as a pupil will be placed under your charge and it would be helpful for the pupils if you come every week to help them. However, knowing that most volunteers are also students themselves and therefore may not be free all the time, no penalties will be given to the volunteers.

Q: Can I ‘share’ a pupil with another volunteer? (2 volunteers to teach 2-3 children)

A: Yes, there are no strict rules here and if you like to have another volunteer as a partner to teach, we can arrange for you to have so.

Q: Are students from other departments able to volunteer for this project too?

A: Yes! All are welcomed. Currently all volunteers are students from the Department of Psychology. When the department has tests or exams, many volunteers would be unavailable in preparation for their exams. As such, students from other departments are very much welcomed to volunteer.

Q: Are non-HELP students able to participate in this project as well?

A: Yes! All are welcomed. Studying or working, undergraduate or postgraduate, HELP or non-HELP student, do not matter. What matters is your willingness to volunteer!

Q: If I signed up late for this project after a cycle begins, am I still allowed to teach?

A: You can still help out and teach the pupils regardless of how late you join.

Q: Can I choose my own subjects to teach?

A: Yes, you may choose to teach either Mathematics or English or both.

Q: Should I bring anything?

A: Just bring yourself and a pen! If you have materials which you think are useful for your teaching, please feel free to bring them. If you have tablets and think that educational apps will be useful, do bring them and use them during the extra class. Rewards such as small gifts for the students would also be great as ways of motivation, but we don't want you to feel obliged to do so! Your presence and commitment to come and tutor our kids is already more than a gift in itself.

Q: Can I use my own teaching methods or styles when I am teaching or must I follow a set guideline? Do I have autonomy in teaching my pupil?

A: Yes, volunteers are given ownership and autonomy to decide personal goals and targets for the students that they are tutoring. Although modules are given to volunteers, they need not use our modules if they think there are better ways to teach the pupils.

Q: Do I receive a certificate for my help?

A: Yes, each volunteer will receive a certificate from Teach For Malaysia after 10 weeks of teaching/volunteering.

Q: Well, I'm interested! Where do I sign up?
A: Awesome! Our sign-up sheet is right here.We look forward in seeing you at the classes!