Tutoring and school supplies for children

It’s back to school and our individual support for education is springing into action. Over 60 Children from poor families are getting the school bags and stationery they need. Our mentors and tutors are giving lessons. And soon more children will be supported as 15 volunteers will have a three-day training to give them the skills they need to be a mentor.

Our Guardian Angel programme is all about helping children to reach their potential and have better opportunities for life by giving children regular tutoring and mentoring. We work with volunteers, give training, monitor progress, and it’s wonderful when our help makes the difference to children’s lives.

One of the children we help was relocated so many times over the last six years that she was mentored. A new institution, a new family, then another foster family… she had to adjust to new environments and new people. Fortunately, her mentor could be a person who remained stable in her life, who knew her, listened to her and helped her not to despair. Her mentor showed that it is possible to have trusting and secure relationships.

School supplies for a good start

We look for ways to have long-term impact so when we distributed food to the poorest families in the region, to help them through the Corona crisis, we got to know the families. Education is such a key part of development so we wanted to be sure that these children have equal opportunities to do well, with all the school supplies they need.

The children’s smiles when they received new school bags and books said it all! Though their homes were small and clothes were well worn, they could start school with pride. Each child was assessed and the local business community helped with discounts and donations so we could reach even more children across the region.

Volunteers getting involved to help

There is a lot of interest from potential volunteer tutors and mentors so it is a busy time. A training is organised for early October, with two child development experts to lead it. To meet safety standards we have limited this to 15 people. One of our tutors shared her experience of why she got involved:

“My name is Olga Navrotska, I am 35 and a voluntary tutor, and that means a lot to me. To become a tutor you need expertise as a teacher or in a school subject, and a lot of patience. You will be paid for your work with a smile or with a child’s higher grades at school, which can be the most valuable feeling! Along with teaching the subject you have to inspire and give support.

“How did I become a social tutor? My childhood was very hard: my parents divorced when I was three and when I was six my Mum was paralyzed by multiple sclerosis. I needed someone to support me. Luckily I had a close friend at school, Tanya. My English teacher recognised my ability with languages and helped me get into university. And my German teacher helped me integrate into German society. Thanks to all these people I have become who I am.

“I really want to support children and I am thankful that Care in Action helped me to achieve my goal. I started tutoring in September 2019. Sometimes it’s not easy to find a common language with my students, or it’s hard to find the right method for them, but I when I find it I am really happy and my life is full of meaning. Voluntary tutoring makes my life better!”

Would you like to give a child better opportunities for the future? You can donate, volunteer or sponsor a child today!