Patience pays off for Donna and her students

Learning Club tutor, Donna, and her student Leisl* spot each other from across the classroom. With a big grin, Leisl runs to Donna. It’s hard to believe this is the same girl who was once so angry and disruptive at Learning Club and refused to do her homework. “The confidence that has come out in this girl is amazing,” says Donna. “She doesn’t miss a week.”

As a single mum herself barely making ends meet, Donna first saw the power of Learning Club when she fell into poverty and her own daughter was struggling at school. With the help of a Learning Club tutor, Donna’s daughter caught up with her classmates.

Inspired by her daughter’s transformation, Donna then become a Learning Club volunteer herself. Making a difference to children — giving them the time they need — has kept Donna coming back for five years now. Her commitment and patience bring lifelong benefits to disadvantaged students like Leisl.

 “I’ve had some difficult kids that need a bit of one-on-one help and some of them have opened up. It takes some patience, but you learn techniques to heal with them.

“If you can help any kid, even just one, it’s worth it. I feel so privileged that I can do this for them.”

* Name changed for privacy.