Spectrum

A big thank you to all the volunteer tutors of the Spectrum Homework Support Program. Your dedication is in invaluable and we appreciate your handwork and time in improving the literacy outcomes for newly arrived youths.

As part of adopting a holistic approach to achieve this goal, this involves:

1. Increasing the ability of refugee youth to undertake their school studies/homework requirements and enhance numeracy and literacy skills;

2. Providing students with a quiet environment conducive to study where they can ask questions and receive immediate support;

3. Enhancing the ability of parents to support their child’s education; understand education pathways in Australia, and build on their parenting skills; &

4. Contributing to social inclusion by facilitating positive connections between newly arrived communities and broader Australian community (school/tutor networks, as well as a proposed new mentoring program between established and newly arrived parents).

The club provides a welcoming, safe and social space where students, tutors and parents can engage with each other positively in a learning environment. For some of the students, the Spectrum Homework Support Program may provide them with their first positive learning experience since arriving in Australia.

In addition to learning support, the club provides a bridge between members of the community in Melbourne’s north. Students, parents and tutors work together in a social and positive space – making meaningful connections with each other and enabling stereotypes and fears to be challenged and social connectedness to be developed.

The Spectrum MRC’s Homework Support Program is supported by the following organisations: Ian Potter Foundation, LUCRF’s Community Partnership Trust, Darebin Youth Services, Darebin Council (Reservoir), Centre for Multicultural Youth, Learning Beyond the Bell (Carlton) and Darebin Libraries (Reservoir and Preston).