Buổi 52: Reading – Short-answer questions (ngân hàng thời gian)

Paying with time

(Bài đọc tự viết; thị trấn, tổ chức, nhân vật và số liệu là giả định.)

In the small town of Millbrook, money is not the only way to pay for help. Since 2019, more than three hundred residents have joined the Millbrook Time Bank, a scheme in which people exchange services using time instead of cash.

The idea is simple. For every hour a member spends helping someone else, they earn one time credit. They can then spend that credit on an hour of help from any other member. Crucially, every hour is valued equally, whether the service is legal advice or walking a neighbour’s dog. A retired teacher might give two hours of English lessons and use the credits to have her garden tidied, while a young father might repair a bicycle and later receive an hour of babysitting.

The scheme is run by a part-time coordinator, Grace Owusu, whose job is to match members with the help they need and to keep a record of credits. “Many new members tell me they have nothing to offer,” she says, “but everyone has a skill. Some of our most popular services are simple ones, like reading to an older person or helping someone fill in forms.”

According to Owusu, the greatest benefit of the time bank is not the services themselves but the relationships it creates. Many older members live alone, and some had felt isolated before joining. A local survey carried out by the town council found that members were more likely than other residents to say they knew people they could ask for help in an emergency.

The scheme does face difficulties. Some members earn many credits but rarely spend them, because they feel uncomfortable asking for help. Others want services that few members can provide, such as plumbing. To solve the first problem, Owusu now organises monthly social events where members can meet and talk about what they need. For the second, the time bank has started a partnership with a local college, whose students can earn credits while gaining practical experience.

Volunteer role: Digital Helper (giả định)

What you’ll do: help older residents use smartphones and video calls. Commitment: 2 hours a week, for at least three months. When: Tuesday or Thursday mornings, 9–11 a.m. You’ll need: patience and basic smartphone skills. No teaching experience required. Training: one 90-minute session before you start.