English Language Journal 2011 64 The Benefits of ESL Community Service Project on ESL Student Tutors By: Noriah Ismail, Intan Safinas Mohd Ariff Albakri and Suhaidi Elias @Alias The study analyses ESL students’ facilitators’ perception regarding their involvement in a special community service project called “Project Tutor” which is carried out in order to help some primary students from a rural school to be more interested in learning English. The project is regarded as a win-win situation as the student facilitators themselves are able to improve their English speaking confidence as well as motivate them to be more involved in future community service projects. Introduction Many ESL students even at tertiary level are fearful or reluctant to speak in English . Kaufman and Lionel (2000) conclude that reluctance to communicate in English is common place among ESL learners. Many students become literally speechless when they are placed to speak in public. One of the reasons is they lack the skill and confidence to do so and become apprehensive. Higher rate of communication apprehension can impact on a person’s behavior, relationships, the perception of others, occupational choice and employment opportunities and education. Therefore ESL students should be given the opportunities to participate in English-based activities that provide them a chance to practice speaking in the language, especially in authentic situations. The Benefits of Community Service Tutoring Projects Involving university students in a community service project such as one which provides a cross-age tutoring service to some primary school students is a good move which can bring some positive outcomes not just to the tutees (the primary school