Volunteer Stephanie Papazoglou talks to KATHRYN KERNOHAN about her rewarding experience tutoring at Homework Club.
For more than a decade, children from African communities from around the Flemington area who need some extra assistance with their school work have benefited from Jesuit Social Services’ Homework Club.
According to volunteer tutor Stephanie Papazoglou, being involved with the program benefits her just as much as the participants.
“Working with children who have tougher life experience than others has taught me to show more empathy to people around me,” she says.
Stephanie engaged with the program a year ago, and has rarely missed a session since. The aspiring teacher, currently studying a Bachelor of Education, tutors pupils ranging from primary school aged to VCE students.
I feel motivated to be a tutor whenever I see how much the children appreciate my contribution and treat me as a significant part of their lives.
Stephanie’s most memorable moment involves a student who was anxious about an upcoming maths test, and worked closely with the tutor to prepare for it.
“She eventually received 90 per cent for that assessment and was over the moon… a few weeks later she wrote me a thank you card to show appreciation for my assistance.
“Volunteering with Jesuit Social Services is definitely the best decision I have made in my life – it is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself and our society, and it brings such a substantial impact to our community.”