After two years of mentoring, Andrew and Garang are like extensions of each other’s family. 84371 Picture: CONTRIBUTED
By LAURA WAKELY
ANDREW Coates could have sent a $100 cheque to charity and been done with it.
But the East Keilor resident wanted to volunteer in a way that was meaningful and direct. So when he saw an advertisement for The Helping Hand Project, a program that helps young refugees, he signed up.
Andrew was paired with St Albans teenager Garang, who came to Australia with his brothers, cousins and aunt from war-torn Sudan.
Andrew said being a mentor had been about providing support, with the pair spending a few hours together each week.
Besides helping with homework, Andrew has helped Garang join a soccer team, get a part-time job and have work experience.
They’ll have dinner with each other’s families, play games or go see a movie.
“It’s not about providing them with stuff, it’s about helping them find the resources that are readily available that we know all about,” Andrew said.
“The best part is just knowing you’re having an impact on someone’s life, no matter how small you think, I mean you think it’s tiny, but it’s huge for them.”
Over two years, Andrew said Garang had become an “extension” of the family, and he had watched him grow into a more confident young adult.
He said mentoring had also taught him more about refugees and different cultures.
“My experience with the Sudanese community and Garang and his family, they’re really nice and beautiful people,” Andrew said.
“It is an extremely rewarding thing to be a part of.”
The Helping Hand Project is looking for more mentors for its programs. For more information contact 8060 3440 or visit www.helpinghandproject.org.au
