Matthew Dorozio was born and raised in Canada, growing up in Vancouver before eventually settling in Calgary, which he has proudly called home for many years. Although he spent some time living abroad, Canada has always remained at the heart of his journey.
With a rich background in education, Matthew has spent many years teaching autobody mechanics and Spanish. His passion for teaching has always been clear, not just in the subjects he teaches, but in the way he connects with people.
Nearly a year and a half ago, Matthew was introduced to working with ESL learners through his sister, who was also a dedicated volunteer. Knowing his natural ability to build relationships and his love for teaching, staff were excited to welcome him into the Everyday English for Seniors Program, confident he would be a wonderful fit.
Matthew’s dedication to his learners is evident in every class he leads. He finds particular joy in watching seniors grow in confidence and ability. To keep lessons engaging and dynamic, he often incorporates movement and interactive activities. He fondly shares that he has “the world” in his classroom — learners who bring diverse backgrounds, rich life experiences, and countless stories. For Matthew, storytelling is more than a teaching tool; it’s a way to build trust, connection, and community.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching, he says, is seeing “the lights go on” when a learner grasps a new concept. He understands the importance of keeping minds active and engaged, especially for seniors, and approaches each lesson with patience, repetition, and gentle encouragement. While many learners are eager to focus on grammar, Matthew thoughtfully balances their interests with the program’s goal of strengthening conversational English skills.
Many of our programs exist thanks to volunteers like Matthew. He is of tremendous support, helping senior immigrants learn English so they can better integrate in the Canadian society. Matthew is kind, humble and funny and has built a good relationship with our clients.
Matthew deserves the recognition and to know how much his support means to us. He is always cheerful and happy to be of help
Above all, it’s the smiles and heartfelt gratitude from his students that mean the most to him. Matthew’s compassion, enthusiasm, and commitment make him an invaluable part of the Everyday English for Seniors Program and a true asset to the CIWA community.
Want to learn more about how you can make an impact? Click here to see volunteer opportunities at CIWA