The Collie Smith Family held a lunch at the Golden Bowl Chinese Restaurant on Friday to thank their Learning Club volunteers who help local students with their learning.
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The club provides homework support, as well as literacy and numeracy tutoring to assist children and young people and to see them benefit more fully from their school based learning.
The Smith Family Learning Club coordinator Shiela Clow said she was very thankful for the volunteers.
“It’s been hard saying goodbye to the children, especially the ones moving on. You’re kind of not supposed to get close to them but you can’t do this work or volunteer in this field unless you have that heart,” she said.
The Smith Family program coordinator Diane Blount said without the help of their volunteers they wouldn’t be able to help the community.
“I am very appreciative of you all,” she said.
Wilson Park volunteer Daniel Newby and Amaroo volunteer Peg Todhunter both said it was great to see the children grow throughout the club.
“I’m one of the only male volunteers, but just seeing them [the children] thrive and their confidence rise gives me a little a little kick,” Mr Newby said.
“One young gentleman really struggled with reading out loud at first, but when I opened up and told him I struggled with it too and that it would get easier within a couple of minutes he was pushing himself more and trying to say those bigger words.”
“They have matured a lot and everything has improved – their behaviour, their reading and their attitude to learning as well. It’s really nice to see them progress like that and it’s a joy to be able to volunteer,” Mrs Todhunter said.