Program Description
Ardoch Youth Foundation helps to make education a reality for students, including those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. Ardoch does this by working with schools to expand learning and support programs for students, and their families.
Volunteers undertake an essential role in the delivery of Ardoch programs within early childhood, primary and secondary schools. Ardoch volunteers make a difference to children and young people’s education and well-being, whilst providing schools with much needed additional resources.
Ardoch’s Vision ‘Every child and young person’s potential is realised through full participation in education.’
Commitment & Duration
We ask volunteers to commit to a least 2 hours a week for minimum of 6 months.
Who we look for
We look for individuals who are committed to making a difference to children and young people’s lives. As we work with the education (mainly Maths and Literacy) a certain level of English is required.
Application Details
An application form needs to be completed which will be emailed to Ardoch. A Working With Children Check (which is free for volunteers), police check (which Ardoch completes) and reference checks are also required. Visit Ardoch’s website for more details.
Contact Details
Website: www.ardoch.asn.au
Email: info@ardoch.asn.au
Phone: Head Office – (03) 9537 2414
Location
We are located in St Kilda, Geelong, Sunshine and Frankston and the surrounding suburbs.
Testimonials
Below is a speech by a teacher from one of our schools which outlines how important volunteers are to the schools we work in.
“…When l was thinking about what to say today, l decided to make a list of what is considered valuable in a volunteer. Of course at first l naturally thought of the professional expertise or skills that they could share or impart to our students. But then l thought honestly about it and l realized that what is the most valuable about our volunteers is their generosity, kindness, diversity, sense of social responsibility. Then as my thoughts deepened l realised that probably what we should value the most is our volunteers’ uniqueness. And l mean that in the sense that they bring into our classrooms all those qualities that are the embodiment of what we want our children to learn and become. Therefore volunteers, you think you are just helping a student with some schoolwork but you are much more than that. You are exemplary role models and what you bring to the classroom and what you impart to our student is immeasurable…
We have many students that struggle with English or struggle with their schoolwork because English is not their first language. These students benefit from their interaction with a volunteer. When a volunteer is sitting with a student in class l know that l can rely on them and l don’t have to worry about that student. Our volunteers also work with other teachers in other classes in mainstream subjects. Most of the time l can’t keep track of them but then l don’t have to. They just turn up and are there to help without any fuss. I know l can trust those volunteers that work with our students and they have become reliable and regular class members. The commitment you have made to ARDOCH, Sunshine College and our students is admirable…”
