👤 Imogen, Homework Program Coordinator
☕ Coffee/tea order: My coffee order varies depending on the venue, let’s start with my local. Rubber Duck, Clifton Hill is a soy chai latte. Archie’s All Day, North Fitzroy is a latte. My Nonna’s is half a cup of fresh percolated coffee.
“I started my journey at North Richmond Community Health (NRCH) in 2018 as a volunteer tutor for the Homework Program. I found this position as a requirement for a university subject, but the Program found a special place in my heart and I never left.
Towards the end of 2019, the previous coordinator Steph, sadly informed me that she was moving to sunny Queensland and her position was available. I have since been the coordinator of the Homework Program, where I find myself ensuring that tutors and children are provided with a positive teaching and learning experience. This role enables me to provide educators with teaching strategies and behaviour management skills. Furthermore, I am able to engage with a range of family members and build positive relationships to continue the learning beyond our Thursday session.
The impact the Homework Program has on the children at North Richmond Community Health is incredible. Over the last two years, I have witnessed the development of relationships between tutors and children. These relationships have provided children with much needed support to assist their academic growth and social skills.
In relation to academic growth, children are able to receive assistance that targets areas of development that they might not be able to receive outside of the program. Whereas their social growth allows children to develop skills to work and communicate with a range of people.
The success of the Homework Program would not be possible without the support and dedication of the tutors. The tutors come from all walks of life but share the same love and passion for helping children. The Homework Program currently has 11 tutors and one who used to attend a similar program as a child. This wonderful tutor is Fiona. Fiona provides students with support, compassion and an extreme level of patience each session.
Over the last two years the Homework Program has filled my heart and soul. It has provided me with endless smiles and laughter. It is hard to pinpoint what I enjoy most about the Homework Program, but in summary I believe it is the sense of community.
The Homework Program is a community that fosters growth and support, and I believe that is truly fundamental in life. Additionally, this community has enabled me to witness the academic growth of children. It is enjoyable to witness light bulb moments and to watch children apply learnt skills and knowledge.
My passion for education and drive for helping littles ones has led me to my final year of completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the Australian Catholic University. Completing this course has provided me with opportunities to complete placements in various schools in Melbourne. On a wider scope, it also provided me with the opportunity to volunteer in South Africa for two weeks. An adventure I will never forget. This adventure enabled me to work closely with children, families and animals in need. South Africa still fuels my desire and passion to make a difference in the world of education for children, and women.
Outside of my busy world of completing university and helping little ones, my days are filled with friends, family, café outings and a good book. On the topic of a good book, I am currently reading The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg – I recommend it. I enjoy dining out, for all meals, with my loved ones but also enjoy a cosy home cooked meal. Additionally, my days off consist of yoga with my Nanna and long walks admiring nature. Lastly, but most importantly, I am fortunate enough to be an aunty to two amazing troublemakers, Oliver and Noah. I spend my summers at the beach with them and the months in between face timing.”
