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Tutoring program boosts confidence at CatholicCare Refugee Hub

Every Tuesday afternoon during school terms, CatholicCare Hunter-Manning’s Refugee Hub is full of smiles as students attend the team’s Tutoring Program. The service gives students from refugee backgrounds an opportunity to receive extra support from volunteer tutors.

Elizabeth Symington July 16, 2024

Lately, the team has seen great results from the program with students excelling both academically and socially.

“Two of our high school students proudly showed us several academic merit awards at the end of last term, as well as their badges for special leadership roles at the school,” Team Leader Mirja Colding-Moran said.

“Their proud smiles are just wonderful to see!

“We also have a few primary and secondary students who were very shy, quiet, and unsettled when they first joined the program, but they have now really come out of their shell and are laughing, joking, and being cheeky.

“It is lovely to see them so comfortable and at home when attending our Refugee Hub.”

The program involves volunteer tutors providing one-on-one or small-group tutoring to help with homework, assignments, general study, and improving their English skills.

The Refugee Hub is currently looking for more volunteers to help run the service.

The roles would be perfect for current or former teachers and university education students; however, anyone who would like to support our clients academically and socially can volunteer.

Mirja encourages people who are interested to reach out. She says it is very rewarding to watch the students grow.

“To witness how much the support from our wonderful volunteers mean to them is just incredible,” she said.

“It’s so nice to know we are making a real difference in their lives.”

Another area where the Hub is looking for support is their Driving Program.  Volunteers help the clients to learn to drive, get professional lessons and undertake the required tests to receive their driver’s licence. As a volunteer/mentor, you support, guide and encourage the client through the process.

If you are interested in volunteering with Refugee Hub, please complete this short EOI form: Volunteer Enquiry Form - CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning and include notes about which program you are interested in. A member of the Refugee Hub team will then get in touch with you

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