SPARK

SPARK – St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids -provides curriculum, social and cultural support to newly arrived refugee children and their families through selected primary schools in Central Western Sydney.

SPARK aims to:

• aid refugee settlement
• raise mainstream community awareness about refugees
• facilitate chances for social contact and mutual appreciation between refugee and mainstream communities.

SPARK has been implemented in primary schools with significant numbers of refugee students. The program is open to all newly arrived refugee students and their families attending the selected schools.

Bright Sparks

Bright Sparks is an after school homework and activities club for refugee children in Kindy to Year Six. It is run by teachers and local community volunteers. Children develop confidence in themselves as they are supported to understand and complete school work, enjoy creative and recreational activities and interact and develop relationships.

Mainstream Community Awareness

An important element of this program is raising mainstream community awareness about refugees and especially the new members of the school community. This increases knowledge, understanding, promotes acceptance and stimulates interaction and mutual appreciation within the local community.

SPARK responds to individual school needs and is comprised of several programs, which take a holistic approach to aiding in refugee children’s settlement.

Volunteering for SPARK

SPARK is looking for volunteers who can spare approximately 1.5 hours (3 – 4.30pm) a week at schools in Central Western Sydney.

Volunteers are involved in assisting the primary school aged children with their homework and English skills, providing general practical advice and assistance to parents/ guardians and helping run creative and recreational activities.

SPARK trains volunteers four times a year in February, April, July and October.