Volunteer Vicky accepted as a member of the class

VICKY Battin has volunteered at Moolap Primary School for three years and says it gives her something to look forward to each week.

The retiree volunteers through EdConnect, and as part of National Volunteer week, which runs from May 17 to 23, she and many others are being recognised around Victoria for their massive contribution to students at school.

During her volunteering, Vicky has supported students in various class year levels, with reading, maths and project work.
“This has been a really enjoyable experience for me and I highly recommend it,” Vicky said.

“I can actually see the difference I am making to the children’s learning.

“As I walk through the school grounds on arrival and departure, students I have worked with come up for a chat.

“I occasionally see some of them in public spaces and love it when they come up to say hi.”

Vicky said now that she was retired, the volunteering role gave her something to look forward to each week.

“I am here (for the students) as a friend, and a support to the teacher, and they all have accepted me as part of their class,” she said

“This is a very rewarding role and if you are looking to make a contribution, don’t hesitate, ring Edconnect and get involved – you won’t regret it.”

Moolap Primary School principal Peter Knight said he enjoyed and valued the partnership with EdConnect Australia.

“These wonderful people from our community are vital ingredients to us offering support to students every week – we love EdConnect volunteers and the support provided by the locally-based liaison officer,” he said.

EdConnect volunteers offer one-on-one mentoring to students in need or assistance in the classroom with subjects such as numeracy, reading, science or help around the school in garden projects, breakfast club, gardening, library and much more.

“EdConnect volunteers are amazing, they give their time, they are patient and caring and with as little as an hour a week, I see every day I hear stories about how they are make a real difference,” Geelong/Surf Coast-based liaison officer for EdConnect Australia Sally Edgerton said.

Become an EdConnect volunteer and help make a difference in a young person’s life.

Contact [email protected] or call 1800 668 550.