Luis Rojas hopes his volunteer work through EdConnect is helping to make a difference in the life of a young Brimbank pupil.
Mr Rojas joined EdConnect – an organisation offering one-on-one mentoring to students in need and assistance in the classroom with subjects such as numeracy, reading or science – because he wanted to give back to the community.
He meets the pupil for about one hour per week at school to offer social and emotional support.
“He is a great kid, very smart, teachers say he can be disruptive, but he has a heart of gold. He speaks very well of his family and goals in life,” Mr Rojas said.
“I usually meet him at the classroom and we go out into the yard and kick a football or sit in the library and play a game.
“I am there as a friend, I just guide him to reflect on his actions so that he can make better decisions.”
EdConnect liaison officer Rhonda Velkovski said volunteers helped build up students’ self-esteem and engagement at school.
“Luis has been a positive, caring and committed role model and has made a real and lasting difference to this primary school, staff and students and the community as a whole,” she said.
EdConnect is looking for more volunteers to help support students in Melbourne’s west. Details: www.edconnect.org.au/volunteer, edconnect@edconnect.org.au, or 1800668550
