Activity overview
Please note: this volunteering is with an external community organisation that UOWx has a partnership with. Please contact uowx@uow.edu.au once you have been accepted into this role, and UOWx will add you to the Moodle site so you can commence claiming your hours.
How is this program run?
This program is running online and in-person
What will I do?
SCARF helps refuge entrants to build a sense of belonging and navigate the practical and personal challenges of starting a new life in Australia. By creating connections and generating opportunities, SCARF helps individuals and families to establish a sense of belonging, experience social and economic inclusion and access the tools for self-empowerment and independence.
As a SCARF Refugee Support Volunteer, you will be able to support a variety of programs in a number of ways. These may include:
- Let’s Chat – contribute to a social inclusion activity that provides a welcoming space for community members from refugee backgrounds to have a chat, meet new friends and practice their English
- Housing Support – support community members who are facing difficulty navigating the housing system, such as assisting members to read and interpret property documents, help them to understand and complete applications
- Homework Club / Homework Help - provide homework assistance to primary and high school students from refugee backgrounds at Wollongong City Council Library during school terms. At the moment this program is running over Zoom with the intention to move to the library in second term.
- Befriending – connect with individuals and families from refugee backgrounds who are seeking companionship, cultural orientation, conversational English practice and connection with local social activities and community services
- L2P Driver Mentor – be a companion to Learner Drivers, providing advice, support and encouragement as they build their driving skills on Australian roads (volunteers are not driving instructors, the driving takes place in a SCARF car)
- Diversity & Inclusion – support the Diversity & Inclusion Officer in the delivery of training
- Communications & Events – assist with the promotion of SCARF initiatives and support the delivery of one-off SCARF initiatives
- Youth Activities – Join in the fun at our Let’s Lead youth activities for young people aged 14-24. Volunteers assist with setup and pack down of the events as well as participate in fun, social challenges, sports days, excursions and more!
You can choose to volunteer in one or more of the above roles to contribute hours towards your UOWx Recognition.
How will I benefit?
You will have the opportunity to:
- Work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Have the opportunity to participate in a variety of training sessions
- Participate in community development initiatives
- Develop your public-speaking and networking skills
- Increase your cultural capacity
- Be part of a diverse and vibrant community group in your local area
How do I apply?
SCARF welcomes new volunteers throughout the year depending on demand. We welcome you to submit an Expression of Interest on our website, and will be in touch as soon as we can find a suitable role that fits your skills and interests.
Are there any special requirements for this role?
Each program area requires a different amount of previous experience. L2P driving mentors must have their full licence. Homework Help tutors must have some knowledge of the current high school curriculum, and have the skills to provide support in specific subject areas. Communications team volunteers must have some experience working with social media / photography and/or videography. For more information about specific requirements, feel free to contact Emily Duncan at: emily.duncan@scarfsupport.org.au
Minimum requirements for UOWx recognition
To receive UOWx Recognition for volunteering with a community partner, you will need to email uowx@uow.edu.au to let us know you are enrolled as a volunteer. You will be provided with instructions about how to log your hours for this role.
To have this activity added to your UOWx Record, you must complete the following:
- An "engaged" student will need to be complete 20 hours over a calendar year
- A "highly engaged" student will need to complete 40 hours over a calendar year
Further information
Please visit SCARF Refugee Support site.
| Where? | When? | Time commitment | Type | Learning Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Minimum of one hour per week during school term. |
|
|