The Program

The Family Inclusive Language and Learning Support (FILLS) Program is a whole-of-family approach to education targeting newly-arrived migrant and refugee communities.

It is unique in that it offers education support to the entire family all at the same time and in the one location, from primary through to secondary school and adult education.

The Braybrook FILLS Program is supported by a diverse base of volunteer tutors who work with students on their English and mathematics skills, as well as provide general homework help for local students who bring in school projects and assignments. Parents of children involved in the program also have the option to improve their own literacy through adult education sessions. The program operates out of the Braybrook Community Hub at 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook. FILLS will run every Wednesday from 3.50 pm to 5:30 pm during the four school terms of 2019.

Role

Tutors encourage student interest in education by helping with homework and creating relevant, fun and engaging curriculum activities, while acting as a good role model and building strong friendships. So while no teaching experience is necessary, an imaginative and flexible approach to education is highly valued, as well as genuine compassion and respect towards people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Prospective volunteers must indicate in their application that they are willing to attend FILLS sessions at the Braybrook Community Hub every Wednesday for at least 2 terms of the school year (20 December 2019). Furthermore, applying for a Working with Children Checks is mandatory. This is free for volunteers and can be obtained via the Department of Justice here - please indicate that the organisation you will be working for is City of Maribyrnong, then provide the above Braybrook address.

The induction for new tutors will take place on Wednesday 17th of July 2019 at 2:30pm , with the starting day for tutoring as Wednesday 24th of June 2019.

Benefits

Volunteering with FILLS is a fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of women and children in the local community. It is also a great way to further your mentoring skills, and provides much sought-after experience in community development and working with young people. Volunteering is also a fantastic networking opportunity and in a program as large as FILLS, tutors often make new friends and become acquainted with plenty of like-minded individuals. Certificates of appreciation and references can be provided for any volunteers who attend the program for at least one full school term.

For more information on the programs run by Braybrook Community Hub visit our website.