A Blacktown City Libraries volunteer who has made a profound impact through teaching English conversation classes has been nominated for the Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Dr Rajas Naidoo helps migrants improve their English as part of the Libraries' free English Conversation Classes (ECC) and one-on-one coaching sessions.
The Colebee resident, who has a PhD in English literature, has volunteered since 2023 and helps two days a week.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was grateful for the service.
"Our English Conversation Classes cannot operate without the goodwill of volunteers, and we could not have a better one in Rajas," he said.
"Rajas' contribution has helped students speak English confidently and access study and career opportunities."
A great example is Zoe Chen.
Ms Chen joined English Conversation Classes this year to ensure she could meet language requirements to study at university. Dr Naidoo also provided one on one coaching.
Ms Chen passed the tests and will study a Master of Arts in Art Therapy at the University of Melbourne next year.
Dr Naidoo's dedication extends beyond teaching English. She is also mentoring Zoe on academic skills including research proposals, methodology, literature reviews and referencing.
"Seeing students like Zoe achieve their dreams is the greatest reward," Dr Naidoo said.
"It's a privilege to help them not only meet entry requirements but also prepare for success in their future studies."
Dr Naidoo is nominated in the Senior Volunteer of the Year category at the awards, to be held on Wednesday 27 August in St Marys.
In addition to English Conversation Classes, Blacktown City Libraries offers other adult literacy programs giving people tools to build confidence, knowledge and unlock new opportunities.
