African Pathways volunteer program

Would you like to help make a difference in how children prepare for high school? Join Mission Australia in an innovative program assisting local children and families from predominately African backgrounds to make informed transitions through and into high school.

The African Pathways Program aims to enhance children’s transitions through school by providing an integrated program which builds academic skills in reading, writing and math as well as physical health, life skills and confidence. The program operates in targeted schools in Northern Metropolitan Melbourne.

We are seeking volunteers with a range of skills and interests to assist with various activities and tasks in two main initiatives which are the After School Learning Clubs and the Soccer Program. Skills and training areas needed include:

• Sports Coaching, teaching and playing skills in soccer;
• Human movement and medical sciences;
• Teaching and Teachers Aids;
• Social and Community Services;
• Disability and Special needs Children;
• Childcare and After school hours care;
• Arts Crafts and Hobbies

The Learning clubs operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school between 3.30 and 5.30pm during Term 4 (October- Dec) in 2008 and will continue in term 1 and 2 in 2009. The Soccer Program operates on Thursdays between 4- 6pm in Term 4, 2008 (Oct- Dec) and Term 2, 2009 (April – June).

Training, supervision and regular debriefing is provided for all volunteers who participate. We encourage volunteering from current tertiary students whose study will be complimented and enhanced through participation in the program.References can be provided if required.

For further information please contact Sharee Clear on (03) 9484 6377or Mission Australia’s National Volunteering Unit at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please note volunteer appointments will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and a Victorian Working with Children Check

Getting To Work Youth Mentor - Dandenong

Help young refugees and migrants build the skills they need to find employment and build a new life in Australia, with Mission Australia’s Getting to Work program

• Mentor a newly arrived refugee or migrant
• 1 hour a week commitment
• Dandenong location

Academic Mentor

• Mission Australia Centre Melbourne
• Monday 5.30 -7.00pm for 14 weeks (Training additional)
• Assist students with the ‘process of learning’

Mission Australia volunteers and staff focus on empowering people and building communities.

The Catalyst program is a university program being run at the Mission Australia Centre, with the next session commencing in April. Courses are in the humanities and the program is delivered on site at the Mission Australia Centre Melbourne, by the Australian Catholic University. The idea is to provide marginalised individuals the ability to access university education, an opportunity they would otherwise not be able to take up. Catalyst reintroduces clients to learning, and in the process teaches new skills (e.g. IT, research skills) and promotes self-esteem.

The role of the Learning Partner is to assist the student with the ‘process of learning’. They are not meant to be an expert in the course but rather provide support, encouragement and study skill assistance (eg. help with organisational skills, essay writing, internet searches, library use) to students.

Volunteer role requirements:

Volunteers need to commit to 2 hours per week for a period of 14 weeks. Learning Partners meet with their student once a week on an evening, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.

Venue: Mission Australia Centre, Level 1, 398 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Training Provided:

• An initial training/briefing session – this session will cover issues such as the role of the LP, mental health, drug and alcohol, professional boundaries etc and will assist the LP to feel more confident in their role.
• Ongoing support from the Catalyst coordinator

For further information including selection criteria or to apply, please contact Cristiane Cunial at (03) 8615 2229 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please note that numbers are limited for Learning Partners, and we may not be able to place every applicant with a student for this semester