Close to 2000 local students supported
in Peel region in 2023

 

Last week, amidst smiles and shared stories, EdConnect Australia volunteers, school staff and supporters gathered at the annual event celebrating the Connecting Generations for School Success Program, generously funded by the Alcoa Foundation.

This year more than 100 EdConnect volunteers assisted 1913 students across Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West regions.

Support from the Alcoa Foundation has been instrumental in enabling EdConnect to foster vital community connections while offering crucial learning support and mentorship to students at risk of not achieving their educational potential.

“Our volunteers are a positive force in the community,” shared EdConnect Liaison Officer Karen Barden.

Image: Alcoa Senior Partnerships Advisor, Sally Fairnie, Alcoa Stakeholder Engagement and Social Investment Manager, Rebecca Miniken, EdConnect Liaison Officer Karen Barden, EdConnect General Manager WA Carol Shannon.

“Amidst the uncertainties of housing and financial pressures faced by families, students can find it challenging to thrive. Our volunteers inject joy and fun into their school days, creating an atmosphere where learning becomes an exciting journey. School staff consistently tell me how much students eagerly anticipate these visits.”

Explaining the impact of volunteers within the classroom, Golden Bay Primary School Teacher Allanah Fawcett shared,

“Sometimes, a student may be hesitant to engage with a teacher for reading, but when a volunteer comes in, they can’t wait to read with them!”

The dedication of EdConnect volunteers in this region is truly commendable. They contributed an astounding 6,285 hours of support to local students, translating to a value exceeding $338,000 for the community.

EdConnect WA General Manager, Carol Shannon, expressed her gratitude.

“A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers who generously offer their time, energy, and expertise, enhancing educational and developmental outcomes for our younger generations.”

The enduring partnership between EdConnect and the Alcoa Foundation, which dates back to 2016, has seen over $600,000 in funding channelled into the program.

Rebecca Miniken, Alcoa Stakeholder Engagement and Social Investment Manager, who spoke at the celebration, remarked,

“Access to education, is a priority for the Alcoa Foundation, and one of the reasons why our partnership with the EdConnect is so important to us.”

“We are proud to support EdConnect and the work of their amazing volunteers to help change the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people” she said.

If you would like to help a student thrive, click here or reach out to edconnect@edconnect.org.au for more information on EdConnect volunteering opportunities. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our students and communities.

With Thanks: