Embracing the plight of disadvantaged students
Jenni Mandel (r) and her student Dorcas
A not-for-profit organisation led by university students is changing the lives of disadvantaged secondary school students across Victoria by offering free tutoring.
What began with a small group of Monash University students, five years ago, has evolved into Embrace Education, a group comprising nearly 300 university students from across Victoria seeking to provide free tutoring and mentoring for students who have encountered hardship, particularly those from refugee and recent migrant backgrounds.
For fourth year Bachelor of Arts/Law student Jenni Mandel, who studies at the Clayton campus, volunteering through Embrace Education has been a challenging but rewarding experience.
“I’ve been involved with Embrace via private tutoring sessions since February this year. I tutor a Sudanese girl, Dorcas, who is currently completing Year 10,” Jenni said.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to get information across in a clear and effective way, and to think of new ways to explain tricky concepts whilst trying to remain patient, but when you see improvements, even small improvements, it’s all worth it.”
In 2006, several Monash students were invited to attend the first Homework Club at a local secondary school. The organisers had noticed that many students, particularly those from refugee backgrounds, had a limited understanding of VCE-level English and maths.
The Homework Club involved Monash volunteers assisting students after school with their homework or other studies, many of whom were having difficulties understanding the Australian curriculum.
In 2011 alone, Embrace Education volunteers delivered $34,787 worth of free tutoring, with Monash University students involved in all three of the organisation’s tailored services: ‘Homework Clubs’, ‘In School Tutoring’ and ‘Individual Tutoring’.
The program not only provides benefits to secondary school students, but also gives university students an opportunity to teach students from diverse backgrounds.
“I feel as though I’ve built a solid friendship with Dorcas and have learnt a lot about her family and culture,” Jenni said.
“It’s a good feeling to be able to use the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from my education to help someone in such a meaningful way.”