An excellent way of introducing a person to the United States is by teaching them English. Volunteers for Literacy serves this purpose.

Linda Bonnell teaches English to people of Asian and Latin American descent. She has been a teacher to foreign speakers since 1989 and is currently one of four people on the board of Volunteers for Literacy. As an ESL teacher, her responsibilities include at least two hours a week of office coverage, answering phones and other office duties.

It is not necessary for tutors to be bilingual, but they must offer two hours a week of teaching time. The office is located on the second floor of the Otis library in Norwich.

Most immigrants come to America in an attempt to flee violence and conflict in their own countries.

“It is to better their circumstances,” Bonnell said.

Volunteers for Literacy is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. It provides one-on-one tutoring in addition to the traditional class setting. Volunteers for Literacy is nondiscriminatory, accepting any person desiring to learn English.

Volunteers have diverse backgrounds. Some possess degrees in education and are former teachers. Others have degrees in finance and business.

Tutors are always in demand. They must be 18 years old, speak English well and have strong communication skills.

John Proventure has been volunteering for over 10 years. He states that “all of our tutors are excellent and have a lot of dedication.” Bonnell adds, “Our students are very appreciative.”

Tonya Niry emigrated from Brazil in her mid 20s. She learned to speak English, established a career and married her instructor. New London native Stephen Smith lives in Florida and has been helping foreign speakers become acclimated to their town, country and world through ESL programs. Smith explains that learning English is a safety factor for foreigners.

“They could easily be taken advantage of,” he said.

His students from France, Korea, Japan and Spain all have compelling reasons to learn English. Some want to conduct business; others aspire to travel throughout America.

Many students are fully intending on returning home to their respective countries.

Many immigrants obtain jobs in agriculture or, locally, at the casinos.

To become a volunteer in Norwich, the candidate must fill out an application at Otis Library, located at 261 Main St. in Norwich. Call (860) 886-9096 for information.

Lisa Sasha lives in Norwich.

Be an Angel is a regular feature in The Times. To submit, email times@theday.com.