Volunteering has a long lasting impact - Jesuit Social Services

Volunteer Stephanie Papazoglou talks to KATHRYN KERNOHAN about her rewarding experience tutoring at Homework Club.

Homework Club volunteer Stephanie Papazoglu

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.”

Alliance key to climate justice in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is on the frontline of intensifying heat, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Remote communities and homelands across the Territory are particularly at risk of these impacts with many Aboriginal communities already facing food insecurity, a lack of safe drinking water and access to reliable, affordable electricity. The Climate Justice Alliance, established in the Territory in 2021, strives towards a just transition - one that focuses on adapting to the impacts of climate change, and on the alternative economic futures needed to ensure justice for people and planet.

Neighbourhood houses building climate resilience and community connections

In the city of Darebin, nestled in the inner north of Melbourne, there are many community members who experience multiple forms of disadvantage and are vulnerable to the impacts of heat. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Centre for Just Places is working closely with communities like Darebin, to build climate resilience. The Centre empowers them to cope with the impacts of climate change and to continue thriving as connected, vibrant communities.

School canteens feed curiosity

The Currawong Kitchen school canteen was established in 2020 to provide healthy school snacks, catering, and food hampers to families in the historically disadvantaged and under-serviced area of Mount Druitt. Two school canteens now sit alongside Jesuit Social Services’ affordable grocery stores, Ignite Food Store and Open Pantry, where the parents of school children can shop in a supportive, educational, low-cost setting. As Chandelle, who oversees Jesuit Social Services' food security programs in Western Sydney, explains "We’re different from a typical school canteen. We’re passionate about inspiring children to be curious about what they eat and encourage them to try a variety of healthy foods. We want them to develop their palates and trust their taste."

Sharing our vision with Jesuit leaders

In January, Jesuit Social Services was honoured to host special visitors from the global Jesuit community. Fr Arturo Sosa SJ is the Father-General of the Society of Jesus, the global leader of the Jesuit Order. When he visited Australia for the first time, we were delighted that he made time to visit our Richmond office. This is the first time a Father-General has visited Jesuit Social Services.

Annual Dinner 2024

More than 200 people gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 1st for Jesuit Social Services’ Annual Dinner. The event has traditionally sought to deliver a thought-providing keynote on important social justice issues, give attendees a chance to network and mingle, while raising funds for the organisation’s work. But this year, fundraising took a back seat in favour of more time to connect and build relationships.

Open Pantry helping provide food security and connection

Hear how Open Pantry delivers healthy meals and community for the Western Sydney residents.

Music workshops encourage self-expression in Alice Springs school

Hear how students at Yipirinya School have workshopped songs and laid down beats with ARIA Award-winning musician Adrian Eagle, as part of a new relationship between the school and Jesuit Social Services that will provide opportunities for performance, self-expression, and new narratives for First Nations young people in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.