The life changing impact of EdConnect Australia volunteers on local schools and students was on display last week when volunteers attended an annual celebration.
This year, more than 160 EdConnect volunteers provided around 240 hours of support each week when schools were open, assisting close to 900 students across the Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West region areas through the Connecting Generations for School Success Program funded by the Alcoa Foundation.
Their support is estimated to be worth more than $370,000 in value that has been contributed to the local community.
"Education has been disrupted in many ways during 2020 which has affected learning and created anxiety for many students," EdConnect chief executive Gerri Clay explained.
"This year particularly, students have needed the reliable, one-on-one time EdConnect volunteers provide."
Speaking at the annual celebration hosted in parntership with Alcoa, chaplain and school coordinator Christina Stonesmith said the best way to convey the impact volunteer mentors had on students was to hear from the students themselves.
A Peel student, who wanted to stay anonymous, said their mentored listened.
"I never thought I had a mentor, it feels like I have an adult who cares and values me, because they listen, nothing is silly, I can share anything," the student said.
"I have gained a lot of things that I use to help support me and make it easier to go through my day. I can never thank my mentor enough for believing in me and listening."
For more information about EdConnect volunteering opportunities go to edconnectaustralia.org.au
