Established in 2006, our key motivation for this program is to help young people to excel in their education. Our program has supported over 700 students and each year provides 280 sessions with healthy after school snacks! Our program’s success has been recognised in the Department of Social Services’ publication, “Empowering Refugees- A Good Guide to Humanitarian Settlement”.
Our Homework Club program provides free support to young people in high school from refugee backgrounds with their education. With 8 locations across the metropolitan region, young people can receive assistance with their homework after school from 4:00-6:00pm. Our dedicated volunteers provide tutoring support and friendship to students as they aim to increase their literacy and numeracy skills and transition into formal education in Australia.
Every year, we are delighted to see young people who have worked hard and completed their SACE go on to employment and higher education.
Our program is delivered in a community setting so that young people from all schools can access our clubs. Fresh fruit and after school snacks are provided along with computers, internet and printing access.
Our partners help make this program a success: The University of Adelaide, The University of South Australia, Salisbury Council, Twelve25 Salisbury Youth Centre, Playford Council, Charles Sturt Council, Port Adelaide Enfield Council, West Torrens Council and all the partners’ staff members who are supportive and welcoming every week!
EDUCATION SUPPORT
In addition to our largest and most successful program, Homework Club, we provide one on one support for young people. This can include:
• Support to enrol in school or relocate to a new school
• Re-entry meetings with young people and/or their parents
• Bullying or issues with racism at school
• Subject choices
• Applying for higher education through SATAC
• School fees and education costs
• Stationery supplies
YOUTH MENTORING
The youth mentoring program pairs young adults from refugee backgrounds (18-25) with members of the community for friendship, conversation and social support. After undergoing an orientation and induction at ARA, mentors can be flexible in determining when they catch up with their mentees and identifying mutual interests. Our mentors and mentees have explored Adelaide together, attended sporting matches and practiced English by chatting over coffee. Given the
challenges that many young people face during the settlement journey, mentoring plays an important role in making new connections, building independence and developing a sense of belonging.
Group mentoring events also take place through the year, with parties and other activities bringing participants in the program together to have fun and share their experiences.