The School Volunteer Program

Schools throughout WA are invited to join the 255 member schools already benefiting from the rewarding partnership with The School Volunteer Program (SVP).

SVP is an excellent example of the community offering encouragement, support and increased self esteem to vulnerable students. Feedback from students and teachers in WA schools has demonstrated what a positive impact friendship, praise, patience, encouragement and guidance from volunteer mentors has on these students and the community in general.

SVP was established in response to identified community needs. It focuses on volunteers from the community assisting students who experience difficulties. 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.

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

Research indicates that schools in Western Australia and throughout Australia are reporting 20% of students are classified as ‘Students at Educational Risk’. These findings can be contributed to various factors and a student’s classification can change, dependent on the amount of support, they receive at school and at home. It is difficult for teachers to regularly assist these students on a one-on-one basis. This is where the resource of trained volunteers from the community, as mentors in schools, can make such a difference.

With the senior and retiree population increasing across Australia, there is a largely under-utilised resource of experienced, caring, community members with the expertise available to contribute to society and in particular to students in need. Based on current population statistics and trends, it is anticipated that by the year 2025 in Australia, seniors over the age of 65 will outnumber children under the age of 17 years.

Volunteer Mentors, by being caring and positive, can reinforce improvements and encourage the student to tackle learning more positively in the general classroom. The importance and benefit from members of the community mentoring in schools is well documented and proven.

This program is designed to be of assistance to schools and teachers, not an added duty. The teachers and students will reap the benefits of having your school become an SVP SCHOOL MEMBER.

BECOME AN SVP MEMBER SCHOOL

If you would like to join SVP click here to find out more information and How to Become an SVP Member School.