Background

Many immigrant Australian Africans are coming from a non-English speaking background, and for young immigrants, this can cause problems when entering the Australian schooling systems. Limited English skills can lead to poor academic performance, frustration and withdrawal in social settings, high drop out rates, antisocial behaviour and underage alcohol and drug abuse.

Aim

The Tutoring Program has been set up to help and support Australian Africans and other immigrants from a English as a Second Language (ESL) with school studies. By providing a supportive and caring environment ESL students are mentored and coached in academic areas that they are struggling in or want to achieve more. The Tutoring Program also encourages families of the students to get involved to provide additional support and understanding at home and to help the parents and guardians see the value of a strong education. By providing students with this support, the program aims to increase individuals confidence, sense of worth and academic skills and encourages graduates to return and provide mentoring to new generations of students.

Achievements

• Improved the academic performance of all regular participants in the program
• Increased motivation in students to continue studying through to Year 12 and reducing the drop out rate
• Created strong partnerships with Flemington Primary School, Victorian Multicultural Commission and LES 20s Man
• Providing mentoring and tutoring services to students from Prep/Foundation through to Year 12
• Mentored 20 students to graduate from Year 12 with 25% of graduating students returning as mentors and tutors
• Ran the GOAL Project to encourage family involvement in the students development of readingTell a story with the pictures