When COVID-19 struck, we acted fast to keep students supported

Over 3,2000 disadvantaged students attend our Learning Clubs each year. It’s a safe and supportive environment where they can get help with their homework after school from local volunteer tutors. For many, it’s the only way they are able to keep up at school. When physical  distancing measures meant we had to close our Clubs, we knew we had to act quickly. It sparked the trial of our digital Learning Clubs.

“Something I've heard constantly is that a lot of the parents haven’t had the opportunity to complete their education. Their kids were being given this work from school to keep them going during COVID-19. The kids were not quite sure how to do it, so they would ask their parents. A lot of parents struggled with that homework, unable to support,” said Kathy, one of our Learning Club Program Managers.

“When schools were closed due to COVID-19, it meant our Learning Clubs were also closed. We were trying to still support students during the lockdown. It was time to try moving across to a digital platform.”

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our supporters, we were able to act fast. Not only did the trial answer students’ immediate needs, but it also gave us insights into longer term needs. And our volunteer tutors played a critical role.

“It happened really quickly. We worked together to understand how we could take Learning Clubs from face-to-face to online delivery. We focused on senior secondary school (Years 10, 11 and 12), since they were coming up to the end of their schooling. And most students of that age have access to technology,” said Kathy

“Three weeks later we trialled our first digital Learning Club in regional Victoria, working with the Learning for Life Coordinators to identify students who wanted the support. After that we rolled out more trials in other states.

“We learned different ways to share with students. Tutors could write on paper then show students their calculations. We also used whiteboard on Zoom and we utilised the sharing of screens. The volunteer tutors were so passionate that they went out of their way to find ways to use technology to support our students. I think that was absolutely a beautiful thing!”

With the success of the trial, we are now exploring this offering on an ongoing basis.

“Our students are already behind the eight ball when it comes to education. Being able to provide access to a digital Learning Club, during COVID-19 and ongoing, could answer some of the needs of our students. A lot don't have access to transport. So it's giving an opportunity to those students,” said Kathy.