Jan Reynolds and Arpure Shuemue (Min) – New South Wales
When the Here 2 Help free, weekly drop-in literacy and numeracy program began at Bega Library in 2022, Jan Reynolds was its first volunteer tutor. Continuing to provide one-on-one support today, Jan has formed a transformative bond with learner, Min.
Min joined Here 2 Help in February 2024 to improve her English language and literacy skills. A proud Akha woman from northern Thailand, Min was unable to attend school and learn to read and write because of childhood illness and poverty.
Working closely together each week, Jan and Min have built a strong and trusting learning partnership that has supported Min’s ongoing educational journey.
The relationship that has developed between Jan and Min is an extraordinary example of the transformative power of adult education. Over the years, what began as a tutor-learner partnership has evolved into a genuine friendship built on respect, trust, perseverance and mutual learning.
Despite facing significant barriers throughout her life, Min is an exceptionally determined learner. Learning literacy in English as her fourth language is her first experience of formal education, yet she approaches every session with enthusiasm, courage and a desire to create a better future for herself and her son.
Recently, she successfully completed her first vocational qualification, a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate. With Jan’s support and encouragement, she gained the confidence to undertake this challenging training and achieve a goal she once thought impossible. This success has strengthened her belief that further education and training are within her reach.
As they spent time together each week, Jan became fascinated by Min’s remarkable life experiences and encouraged her to begin recording her story. Together they have used these personal narratives as a foundation for learning spoken and written English, making literacy learning both meaningful and deeply personal.
For Jan, the partnership has been equally rewarding. A retired teacher, she finds immense purpose in sharing her knowledge, skills and experience with Min. Listening to Min’s life story has also given Jan a fresh perspective on her own challenges. Jan lost her beloved home of 30 years in the devastating 2018 bushfires and has not yet been able to rebuild. Nevertheless, she continues to embrace life with optimism and generosity, living comfortably in a caravan surrounded by the bushland she loves.
The connection between Min and Jan extends far beyond the classroom. They regularly exchange food, recipes and acts of kindness, celebrating each other’s cultures and supporting one another through life’s challenges. Their relationship demonstrates that learning is not simply about acquiring skills. It is also about building connections, fostering understanding and enriching lives.