Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 17/03/2025
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the ACT School Volunteer Program, through which hundreds of individuals have volunteered as mentors to ACT public school students in our primary and secondary schools.
So many Canberrans have benefited from the generous contribution of these volunteers, who provide an extra tier of support for students through their conversation and connection.
In 2024 alone, more than 135 mentors volunteered across 40 schools. The volunteers typically meet weekly with their mentees, engaging with them through one-on-one activities to support literacy and numeracy, or by collaborating with them on craft, cooking, Meccano or Lego projects.
The Program recruits, trains and manages the volunteers in partnership with the ACT Education Directorate, with the latter providing facilities and support at the Headley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning for training of mentors and committee members.
The volunteers share insights gained through their own lives and boost confidence and attitudes to learning through conversation and connection.
Some mentors have been with the Program since it began, returning each year to continue this invaluable work.
I thank all of the volunteers, including past and present committee members, for their contribution to the success of the Program.
I also acknowledge Directorate staff who have provided training and advice to the volunteer mentors to support the enrichment opportunities they offer our students.
Quotes attributable to Ms Nola Shoring, President of the School Volunteer Program ACT:
“I’m delighted the Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, a past ACT public school student herself, will join us for the ACT School Volunteer Program’s anniversary celebrations.
“The then Governor-General, the late Major General Michael Jeffery, officially launched the Program at North Ainslie Primary School in 2005, so it is wonderful and fitting that Her Excellency can join us to celebrate the impact of each of our volunteers over the past two decades.
“I’d like to thank the ACT Education Directorate for its continuing commitment to our close working partnership, and the busy principals and teachers who have made space in their programs for our volunteers – it is at the schools that the magic happens.
“I’d especially like to recognise the students who have embraced the opportunities this very special intergenerational Program has provided.
“Each one of our mentors has valued the opportunity to help make a difference in these young people’s lives, and has in turn benefited greatly from the interactions they have shared.”
– Statement ends –
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases