River Nile Learning Centre Overview:

The River Nile Learning Centre (RNLC) provides free education and self-development opportunities to refugee, asylum seeker, newly arrived, and migrant women whose age, visa status, or personal circumstances prevent them from enrolling in formal education or employment programs. Our core programs include foundation English, digital, and numeracy classes, complemented by essential services such as food relief, driving lessons, public transport cards, and social support.

RNLC operates with flexibility, offering lessons over four days per week to accommodate students' schedules. We adopt a holistic, trauma-informed approach to address the unique educational and support needs of each student. This approach allows us to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the women and families we support.

The centre is currently seeking to fill a number of volunteer opportunities, the capacity will be from 2 to 4 hours a week depending on availability and need. These roles available include:

• Classroom Volunteers
• Digital Task Volunteers
• Food Relief Volunteers
• Administration Officer Volunteers

Classroom Volunteers

Classroom volunteers play a vital role in supporting the English and digital literacy program by collaborating with both students and teachers to enhance their language and technical skills. They assist in class, offering targeted support to students with higher needs or provide one-on-one/small group tutoring as directed by the classroom teachers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working under the direction of classroom teachers, support in delivering education activities through classroom support or tutoring.
• Help prepare educational materials and resources.
• Support students with diverse backgrounds ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment and foster a positive and encouraging atmosphere to enhance student engagement and learning.
• Communicate regularly with the classroom teacher and staff regarding support needed, student progress and any concerns.
• Participate in training sessions and team meetings as required.

Digital Task Volunteers

Digital volunteers assist students in accessing and navigating complex external agencies such as housing services, Centrelink, healthcare, family and domestic violence support, and other essential services. Under the guidance of the Community Services and Social Support worker, volunteers provide one-on-one support to ensure students receive the help they need.

Key Responsibilities for Digital Task Volunteers:

• Facilitate students’ access to external support services and agencies.
• Ensure accurate records are kept of supports and interventions provided for identified
• students
• Communicate regularly with relevant staff regarding any additional support needed or concerns.
• Participate in training sessions and team meetings as required.

Food Relief Volunteers

Food Relief volunteers play the important role in the pick-up, delivery, unpacking, and sorting of fresh produce, key staples, and household items for students in need. This role requires someone who is organised and dependable to ensure that students receive their packages in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the General Manager to pick up food orders on time.
• Unpack and organise food produce and household items in the centre in an orderly manner
• Distribute food to women in a respectful and dignified manner, providing guidance and support to students in understanding the products when needed.
• Participate in training sessions and team meetings as required.

Administration Officer Volunteers

As an Administration Officer for Volunteers, you will play a key role in supporting the operational and administrative functions of the centre. This position works closely with the General Manager, providing an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in non-profit and community development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enhance the centre's digital organisation by developing and implementing efficient systems and processes.
• Perform administrative tasks, including data entry, document filing, and preparation of relevant documents and spreadsheets.
• Assist in developing organisation compliance with policies and regulations
• Support the administrative team in managing office supplies and maintaining inventory levels.
• Participate in training sessions and team meetings as required.

Volunteer Requirements

• Please see position description attached for detailed requirement for each role
• Completion of a WWC
• Completion of a Police Check (RNLC can cover costs if needed)
• Participation in RNLC’s volunteer orientation and training program as required.
• Availability to commit to a regular volunteer schedule as agreed upon with the General Manager

Benefits

• Gain valuable experience in non-for-profit, community service and/or education.
• Develop skills in tutoring (for Classroom Volunteers), community services, communication, and cultural competency.
• Gain relevant non-for-profit experience and build connections with like-minded professionals in the sector
• Work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of different perspectives and experiences.
• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugee, asylum seeker and migrant women in the community.
• Receive guidance and support from experienced RNLC staff members.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions, using the subject line: Volunteer - Women's Refugee & Asylum Seeker Centre enquiry via EthicalJobs.