Homework Support Spells Success For Young Migrants
Three young Victorians from diverse backgrounds were recognised for their commitment and hard work at the Centre for Multicultural Youth’s MY Education Awards.
Twin brothers Shadrach and Isaac Phuting from the Harvester Primary School Homework Club and secondary student Sung Sung Khi Teng, who attends the Ruskin Park Out-Of-School-Hours Learning Support Program, were acknowledged for their dedication.
At the awards ceremony today, Minister for Education James Merlino also presented awards to the volunteer tutors, schools and organisations that provide support in literacy, numeracy and study skills for students from multicultural backgrounds.
Every week, more than 6,000 students, including those from refugee or migrant backgrounds, attend 250 homework clubs across Victoria as part of CMY’s Learning Beyond the Bell program. Around 1,800 volunteers from all walks of life give up their time to work with the primary and secondary students.
Mr Merlino said the CMY played an important role in ensuring that students from diverse, and sometimes difficult backgrounds, received additional support to help them remain engaged at school.
The CMY homework clubs also improve families’ knowledge of the Victorian school system and their ability to support their children’s learning at home.
Around 9,000 students from refugee backgrounds are enrolled in Victorian government schools – 5,100 primary and 3,800 secondary school students.
Some of these students may be entering the education system for the first time or have had long periods of disruption to their schooling.
In addition to providing support in mainstream schools and through the English as an Additional Language New Arrivals Program across language schools and centres, the Department of Education and Training provides targeted support for these students and their families through the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP) in partnership with Foundation House and the CMY.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The Centre for Multicultural Youth’s activities support the work of Victorian schools by helping students to improve their confidence, self-esteem and connections with their classmates, teachers and the wider community.”
“Young people who have newly arrived can face additional challenges and the Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.”
“It is inspiring to see the successes of these students, and the wonderful support they’ve received from their tutors, schools and community organisations.”