“Some of these kids have made such amazing progress!”
These words are from Fr Andrew Matthew of Holy Family Parish in Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland.
The idea of a homework club had been on his mind for quite some time when a successful Application for Funds to the Catholic Caring Foundation in 2008 made the idea a reality.
Since then Fr Andrew estimates 70 to 80 children have passed through the club. Each child’s needs are different and so are their family circumstances, making for an “interesting” programme. Often a child might have needs greater that academic learning – the need to feel safe, that someone cares about them, a healthy meal – and the knowledge they are not “different” or isolated.
The Club operates one day a week and offers help with reading recovery, maths tuition, computer skills and other special needs individual children may have. The Club has a dedicated support base of volunteers who take a personal interest in each child.
More often than not the children have other issues happening in their lives with a huge range of family circumstances influencing how they get on at school.
“Sometimes when the children arrive they are distrustful and wary – but when they realise the people here genuinely care and are here to help, we see miraculous changes in their demeanour – and school work!” says Fr Andrew.
So much so that the local schools are now referring children to the Club. One school even made it a stop on their “Let’s Discover the Peninsula” big day out. Over 300 children arrived at intervals to have lunch in the parish hall and a tour of the parish facilities.
Future plans include a garden on parish land so the children can learn about gardening and experience the joy of growing their own fruit and veges. “It’s just another step in building their self confidence and self belief,” says Fr Andrew.
Written By: caringadminDate Posted: 31/08/2010Number of Views: 268
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