HELPING refugees reach their full potential could be the most fulfilling achievement in one’s life.
This was the experience of Vinnies Queensland’s volunteer refugee tutoring service (VoRTCS) committee president Peter Ayscough who said the program was working towards a better and more inclusive society.
“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 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.
“It is one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
The VoRTCS program needs for volunteers in Browns Plains, Woodridge and Kingston to continue to make a positive difference for refugee families, with more than 60 families on a waiting list for assistance.
The service assists refugee families by supporting educational, vocational and social opportunities in Australia.
Mr Ayscough said the human connection with refugee families proved to have made a genuine different in their lives.
“You talk about what is relevant and what is happening for the family that week and also try and help them with any problems they might have and that is a great way for them to learn English,” he said.
“We have had plenty of great successes with students going on to graduate high school and attend university and also gain employment in the community.”
VoRTCS has helped more than 700 families since it began in 2006.
For more information on the VoRTCS program call 3010 1069.
