Coolbellup Community School students Bridgette Mayes, Christopher Overmars and Rhys Leslie with mentors Max Freeman and Laura McWhae and school chaplain Jane Snare.
Camera IconCoolbellup Community School students Bridgette Mayes, Christopher Overmars and Rhys Leslie with mentors Max Freeman and Laura McWhae and school chaplain Jane Snare. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

The more volunteer mentors the merrier

Staff ReporterFremantle Gazette

Julie Mullett, liaison officer with the School Volunteer Program (SVP), said despite 1000 volunteers chiming in across 240 WA schools, more were needed.

Volunteers work in many areas, including lending assistance in the classroom, canteen and uniform shop, breakfast clubs, reading groups and gardening. But volunteers can also work in a mentoring role which involves working one on one with students.

‘The SVP creates stronger communities by guiding and inspiring students through volunteer mentors who receive training and are then placed in SVP member schools,’ Ms Mullett said.

‘Research has shown that young mentees are less likely to become involved in criminal activity, drug taking, and alcohol abuse, less likely to leave school early, are more likely to have improved academic performance and have better relationships with their teachers and family.’

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Coolbellup Community School chaplain Jane Snare said volunteers from all age groups were welcome.

For more information call the School Volunteer Program on 9444 8646 or email svpwa@svp.org.au.