The Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support Program, or VoRTCS (pronounced vortex), assists refugee families in making the most of the educational, vocational and social opportunities that exist in Australian society.
The program has been a success, meaning the need for volunteers has greatly increased, with more than 60 families currently on the waiting list to receive assistance. VoRTCS volunteers visit refugee families to provide community support and English language skills to help refugees settle into the community.
VoRTCS committee president Peter Ayscough said the volunteers in the program are united in a belief that their work helps create a better, more inclusive community.
“We believe that refugees have a lot to contribute to Australian society and should be assisted and encouraged to reach their full potential,” he said.
“It’s really fulfilling, getting out into the community and bridging the gap. It is really heart-warming to watch the people that we help grow in confidence with their language skills each week and embrace their new life here in Australia.”
Mr Ayscough said volunteer teams visit and teach in the families own homes in a relaxed environment, for an hour to an hour and half each week.
Since its inception in 2006 VoRTCS has helped more than 700 families, and Mr Ayscough said it’s a great feeling seeing clients of the program succeed.
“We have had plenty of great success with students going on to graduate high school and attend university and also gain employment in the community.”
Volunteers are currently needed in many areas around Brisbane, including Mount Gravatt, Acacia Ridge, and Moorooka.
Readers also enjoyed this story about Digital Confidence.
