Volunteer’s passion to help young
FOR more than a year, Deb Trotman, 65, has been helping to support students in Geelong schools in her capacity as an EdConnect volunteer.
Ms Trotman, who volunteers at Moolap Primary and Geelong High schools, is among those being celebrated by EdConnect Australia during National Volunteer Week, from May 16-22.
According to the organisation, more than 1500 volunteers have given up more than 2506 hours to support 17,800 students in the past year alone.
“Volunteering in schools is part of my lifelong interest in helping young people aspire to achieve their dreams and
goals, (and) help them with direction in this crucial time of their development” Ms Trotman said.
“It’s nice to be part of the young people’s learning journey and it’s not always classroom learning, you can help in a garden, cooking, specialist classes or even maintenance or library work.”
EdConnect volunteers offer one-on-one mentoring to students, including with numeracy, reading, science or help around kitchen and garden projects.
EdConnect Australia Geelong and Surf Coast liaison officer Sally Edgerton said Ms Trotman’s role helped foster her passion for supporting young people to have a positive outlook.
“Deb assists in both a oneon-one capacity and classroom learning support,” she said.
“She even supports the senior performing arts classes.”
For more information and to become an EdConnect volunteer, visit edconnect.org.au