University students to help teach disadvantaged Narre Warren South P-12 schoolchildren

HIGH-achieving university students will step in to help teach and inspire youth from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of a $1.6 million pilot program in Melbourne’s southeast.

Mooroolbark Primary kids taking part in eSmart week. This week more than 500 schools and libraries across Australia will take part in the first National eSmart Week to tackle the issue of cyberbullying and promote digital literacy. The initiative, developed by The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, runs between 7 and 11 September, with engaging activities to encourage digital literacy and address the alarming statistic that one in five young Australians suffer from cyberbullying. (L-R) Education Minister James Merlino, grade 4 student Madelyn, Alannah and Madeline Foundation CEO Dr Judith Slocombe and grade 4 student Jasmyn. Picture: Josie Hayden

HIGH-achieving university students will step in to help teach and inspire students from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of a $1.6 million pilot program launched in Casey on Thursday.

The student mentoring program will run at Narre Warren South P-12 College and is based on the Perach program, which has been running in Israel since 1974.

Students mentors will get $3000 to go towards their study costs.

Education Minister James Merlino said Narre Warren South P-12 College was chosen because of its previous success with mentoring programs including buddy programs between prep and Year 5 students, and Year 8 and 9 students.

Mr Merlino said it was hoped the program would inspire the school students to work towards university study.

Narre Warren South state Labor MP Judith Graley said a access to education shouldn’t depend on a student’s postcode.

“Under the student mentoring program, students from disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit from having a role model who can provide them with guidance and help them build a bright future,” she said.