Student Farhiya, 11 has joined the Somali Learning Club at Ottoway. Source: News Limited
PAM BROMBAL
Monday, June 24, 2013
ELEVEN-year-old Farhiya says she is doing better in school thanks to a local learning club.
Each Friday afternoon the Year 6 student joins more than 25 other Somali Bantu students from across the western suburbs at a homework club run by The Smith Family.
"I love homework club - it's fun and I am learning more at school because I get lots of helps from the tutors," she says.
"I like it when we learn hard maths like division - it is my favourite subject."
The culture-specific group started earlier this month at the Junction Community Centre, Osborne, due to growth in the migrant population settling in the western suburbs.
Learning for life co-ordinator Jessica Moser says she is overwhelmed with the popularity of the club.
"We've been really impressed by the enthusiasm of the students and their families in joining the club and actively take part each week," Ms Moser says.
"The group is about creating more educational learning opportunities for the students and giving them extra support with their leaning in a fun environment."
Ms Moser says more volunteers are needed to expand the club.
"We have four volunteer tutors and two staff assisting about 26 students at the moment but we would love to offer places to more students if more volunteers come on board."
The club helps students in primary school, high school and also their parents who may be learning English or studying at TAFE.
Twelve-year-old Yusuf attends the club with his older brother, 13 and sister, 15.
"It's fun and the other people in the group help us with our homework," the Year 6 student says.
"It is good because now I know what I am learning I am doing better at school."