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Mentors lacking in Bellarine schools

August 7, 2022 BY

Curlewis resident Leah Kateiva has been volunteering through EdConnect for a year and a half, using cooking as a means of promoting life skills. Photo: SUPPLIED

NATIONAL mentoring and learning support service EdConnect Australia is experiencing a downturn in volunteer applicants across the Bellarine, warning that less volunteers will lead to less guidance and support for local youths.

EdConnect Australia, an intergenerational volunteer charity that operates in primary and secondary schools, is working with five schools across the Bellarine and 19 in south-west Victoria.

The charity partners volunteers who want to make a difference, with young people in school who need extra help and guidance, aiming to equip them with the life skills they need to succeed.

Moolap Primary School, which has partnered with EdConnect for more than three years, has seen the benefits of the program.

“We value our partnership with EdConnect as we have been able to access several volunteers over the years,” Moolap Primary School principal Peter Knight said.

“As a school on the outskirts of Geelong and with many families and students who are considered vulnerable, our partnership with EdConnect has enabled us to further support our students.

“Our students and staff gain much enjoyment out of their connection with volunteers. In many cases, it also provides another adult for students to build trust and chat with.

“I have one particular teacher who has maintained a positive relationship with one volunteer over three years and has ensured that I keep her in her class.”

Curlewis-based volunteer Leah Kateiva joined EdConnect Australia in January 2021 mentoring a small group of primary school students to support their wellbeing.

Ms Kateiva explained how her support has proven effective for the students she supported.

“Each week the same three participants arrive each with different backgrounds, experiences, struggles, and concerns,” Ms Kateiva said.

“On a particular week, the students described they would like to cook together.

“It became apparent that the students enjoyed the cooking process. You would be surprised how this linked to some important life lessons.

“I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback the students gave me and their gratitude for the weekly visits.”

EdConnect’s Geelong-Surf Coast liaison Sally Edgerton said the past two years has led residents to become more locally minded, which she believes is the way forward in attracting more volunteers to schools.

“We’re becoming more connected to our place, to our patch, and volunteering is one way to invest in our local community and helping schools,” Ms Edgerton said.

“Schools aren’t running on much at the moment, they’re heading into their third year of dealing with COVID.

“That’s why we’re strongly encouraging potential volunteers to jump on board now. If not, even just getting ready to take part next year still helps.”

To learn how to volunteer, head to www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/volunteer/.