In 2004, Jesuit Social Services began providing an after-school Homework Club to students in the Flemington region of inner-city Melbourne. We recognised that many students in this area come from newly-arrived migrant backgrounds particularly the Horn of Africa, and some were struggling at school.

Omnia receives an award at the Centre for Multicultural Youth MY Education awards.

Fifteen years later, the award-winning program is still going strong.

The Homework Club supports dozens of students, from primary school age through to VCE, each week at the Flemington high rise public housing estate.

Volunteer tutors, many of whom are university students, current teachers or retired members of the community, are crucial to its success.

Tutors offer students help with their schoolwork, which parents may be unable to provide, and also guidance and support. In addition to the practical help they receive, students also benefit from improved social connection and confidence.

Omnia, a grade four student from Kensington Primary School, has been attending Homework Club for three years.

“Homework Club has helped me with my maths. The tutors explain things clearly and slowly – I like focusing on my work and I like seeing my friends,” she says.

Last year, Omnia was named runner up in the Outstanding Primary School category at the Centre for Multicultural Youth’s MY Education Awards – recognition of her positive and hardworking attitude.

At the same event, our Homework Club was the winner of the Outstanding Community-run Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support Program.

Jesuit Social Services Homework Club has helped thousands of students over the past 15 years. We don’t receive any Government funding and rely on grants and donations to keep helping children flourish.

If you or somebody you know can assist in supporting the Homework Club financially, please contact Polly Elsey on (03) 9421 7617 or polly.elsey@jss.org.au.