Volunteers needed for Ethelbert Children’s Home’s education programme
The idea behind the programme is not for volunteers to be teachers but rather to bridge the gap and act as a parent.
ETHELBERT Child and Youth Care Centre launched their Educational Programme for 2023 and has requested the assistance of volunteers.
Speaking with Director Vanessa Theophilus, it was made apparent that there was a need for a resource centre at Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre.
“The need arose from a huge challenge we had with the children going to local schools. We found that more and more of the children who were admitted into the centre were those who had significant educational gaps,” explained Theophilus.
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Education Coordinator Stacey Govender explained that the programme starts in the afternoon at 13:30. She stated that the programme is divided into three separate categories.
“The first category is individually allocated timeslots for children who are struggling with English, mathematics and their first additional language. Secondly, we have the High School Homework Programme. This starts at 15:30 and concludes at 17:00 every day.
“The last one we have is the completion of projects and assignments,” Govender explained.
The idea behind the programme is not for volunteers to be teachers but rather to bridge the gap and act as a parent. The children’s home currently has a few regular volunteers but would really benefit from as much assistance as they can get.
Funding Partnership manager Nazley Giquel stated that they need the support of volunteers in the form of time. The team made it very clear that no specific qualifications are required, but skills are a bonus. Govender will assist all volunteers and guide them wherever they need it.
Leslie Naidoo is a regular volunteer who shared some words about his experience so far:
“As the days pass, I find that I am building a rapport with the children. It is true that it is more blessed to give than to receive. This has been a very enriching time for me personally, so I guess that the benefits are mutual. It’s homework but fun, as well.”
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