By Kate Bonsack
A PROGRAM that fills a gap in supporting school students needs more volunteers.
Timehelp has been operating in Hobsons Bay primary and secondary schools for the past two years and uses people aged over 55 to assist students.
At least 20 more volunteers are needed to ensure that many students do not miss out on receiving much-needed help.
Timehelp national manager Lisa Kingman said the shortage came after the schools identified that their students had many needs.
“We could fill every school in Hobsons Bay with a Timehelp volunteer, because there are so many needs in the schools,” she said.
One need that current Timehelp volunteers have been fulfilling has been literacy support, particularly for migrant students.
“In Hobsons Bay there are many migrant students who need assistance with their English,” Ms Kingman said.
“So what we do is have older people go into the school and support children with their literacy.”
Ms Kingman said getting more volunteers would mean giving more students a chance of assistance in areas such as literacy, cooking, gardening, and sports.
People interested in becoming a volunteer need to be aged over 55 and be able to commit two hours per week to the program.
An information session will be held on Thursday (19 March) at the Altona Civic Centre from 10am in meeting room three.
Morning tea will be provided.
For further details phone Ms Kingman on 5277 3411.
