School children at Waroona District High School will receive additional support to successfully navigate emotional, social and academic issues thanks to a US$180,000 partnership between EdConnect Australia and the Alcoa Foundation.

Alcoa has agreed to continue supporting delivery of EdConnect’s ‘Connecting Generations for School Success’ program in the Peel, South West and Rockingham areas for the next three years after first partnering with the organisation in 2016.

The partnership aims to match volunteers with up to 800 students at risk of not achieving their educational potential in at least 15 schools each year.

EdConnect Australia CEO Gerri Clay said the partnership would connect about 100 volunteers with the schools, where they would assist teachers and provide one-on-one student support.

Ms Clay said local students would receive academic and social support while older generations would get an opportunity to stay active and connected with their communities. “We are pleased to be associated with the Alcoa Foundation and are looking forward to providing continued support in the Peel region,” she said.

Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker said the company was proud to support a program with cross generational benefits. “Supporting our young people to reach their potential is vital but so too is supporting other members of our community,” Mr Parker said. “EdConnect programs assist both students and older volunteers, who have so much to offer.”

EdConnect Australia Rural Liaison Officer for the Peel region Karen Barden said there had been a great response from the Waroona community.

“We have five EdConnect volunteers assisting Waroona District High School as mentors, providing one-on-one student support and as Learning Support Volunteers providing assistance in the classroom and with Breakfast Club,” Karen said – “I urge any community members interested in joining this great team of volunteers to contact me.”

PHOTO CAPTION: EdConnect Waroona District High School volunteers Margie Hume, Nigel Hume and Michelle Dohnt with Waroona District High School Student Services Officer Rebecca Sutton (second from the left).

To find out more about our regional opportunities contact Karen;

Email: karen.barden@edconnect.org.au

Ph: 08 9444 8646

Online: www.edconnectaustralia.org.au