The School Volunteer Program

The School Volunteer Program (SVP) began in response to identified community needs and focused on the possibility of individuals assisting students who experienced challenges in primary and secondary school. To initially identify these needs, consultation was undertaken with a number of WA schools as well as with many community organisations for seniors. Since its inception, SVP has worked in partnership across all sectors of the community.

In 1991 the Council on the Ageing (WA) Inc. held a seniors’ public forum, inviting a teacher and four Year 12 students from Mt Lawley Senior High School to attend. Participants were motivated by the refreshing and encouraging exchange of views between the students and seniors. The idea to use seniors as mentors, in schools, for students with learning difficulties was formulated.

Four seniors visited Mt Lawley SHS and began helping some Year 8 students. The students related well towards their mentors and a relationship based on trust commenced. A program named Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) was developed by Volunteering WA. An additional group of seniors, including some fellow Rotarians, joined the mentors at Mt Lawley SHS.

To establish the School Volunteer Program (SVP), the Council on the Ageing (WA) applied for funding through the Gordon Reid Foundation for Youth. This grant was successful and enabled the program to operate for two years. In 1994, 14 schools and 85 mentors were involved in the program and by the end of 1995 the membership had increased to 29 schools and 176 mentors. The Education Department of WA was involved and agreed to provide funding for the following three years. In 1996, the coordinating group was expanded to include representatives from Rotary International and on 6th November, the School Volunteer Program was incorporated. A Board of Management was formed to govern operations.

Mrs Ruth Reid AM, wife of the late Governor Gordon Reid, became the patron and was joined in this role in 1997 by the Rt Hon. Justice Desmond Heenan. Both remain staunch supporters of the SVP, however Des Heenan retired as a patron in 2006.

In 2004, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia became the National Patron as SVP has now been initiated in other Australian states and territories. Since his retirement in 2008 Major General Michael Jeffery AC AO(Mil), CVO MC (Rtd) continues to be the National Patron.

Many aspects of schooling and social life have changed over the last few decades. There is an urgent need for students, in difficult circumstances, to have access to guidance and assistance with basic academic, social and life skills.