Every bit of help counts: Jamie Robinson came to St Clair Youth Centre with a $200 donation, which was well received by youth centre volunteers Koaushik Nair (left) ,Charlotte Brophy (right), coordinator Jessica Dry and Krystie Luke, 12. Picture: Michael Szabath
It’s not just kids who need a helping hand at St Clair Youth Centre’s Learning Lounge.
The free after school homework help program runs without funding so any community generosity is welcomed with open arms.
St Clair resident Jamie Robinson presented a $200 cheque to Learning Lounge coordinator Jessica Dry last week on behalf of Blacktown Fasteners, where he’s state manager.
He was previously a volunteer tutor for the service that runs on Tuesday afternoons.
‘‘It’s a good program for young people,’’ he said.
‘‘I don’t want to see good talent go to waste. Some need more guidance and help so they don’t get left behind. Not enough people know what’s on offer here.’’
Ms Dry said the donation will go towards buying a laptop.
The Learning Lounge was set up in 2004 to provide homework help in a relaxed environment.
‘‘It was seen as a need in the community,’’ Ms Dry said.
‘‘The primary school group has taken off in the last six months from three kids to 12.’’
Mr Robinson hopes to return to the Learning Lounge in the future.
‘‘I want to see the service grow,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s challenging role but you earn the respect and develop a rapport with the students. These kids are the future. A mate of mine runs a similar program in New Zealand. I’d like to see studies undertaken on these services impact on the community.’’
St Clair pupil Krystie Luke, 12, has been coming to the Learning Lounge for six months to get extra help with maths.
‘‘It’s a very good program as it improve my work,’’ Krystie said.
Ms Dry welcome more volunteers and donations from the community.
‘‘We have a high turnover of volunteers because it’s hard to juggle with work and family,’’ she said.
‘‘It requires no funding but if we want to buy books and other resources, we have to source donations. It’s very hard asking for help when people don’t know about what we do.’’
The Learning Lounge runs on Tuesdays the school term, from 3.15pm-5.15pm for high school students and 4.30-6pm for primary pupils at St Clair Youth Centre, 97A Cook Parade.
Details: 98372708.