Foster the Future providing high-quality, one-on-one academic tutoring to Australian students in out-of-home care is in urgent need of volunteers from universities across Sydney and Melbourne.   

The charity is in need of tutors willing to volunteer just one hour a week for online tutoring in a range of academic subjects.  

“We are feeling the pinch, so this year we are making an appeal to all university students to consider giving just an hour a week to make a real difference to a child’s life,” said Joe Bennett, Foster the Future Co-Founder and Managing Director. 

Bennett highlighted that the recent long-term decline in volunteers around the country had also impacted the organisation.  

Recent research from Volunteering Australia showed 83 per cent of respondent organisations needed more volunteers immediately or in the near future.  

“Along with providing educational support, our tutors develop a friend and peer-mentorship role with students, supporting them through various aspects of their schooling.” 

Bennett emphasised that the investment in each foster child not only resulted in academic growth but also sent a critical message to young people in care: they are valued and have potential.  c

“The university student gets the opportunity to share their knowledge and feel rewarded knowing they are making a positive difference to someone’s future,” he added.  

“I first tutored through agencies but I was looking for ways I could contribute in a more meaningful way,” said Georgia Mcintyre, volunteer tutor from the University of Sydney.  

Fifth-year student from the University of Sydney, Lilly Atkinson shared that she began volunteer tutoring last September after deciding her life felt lacking in community engagement. 

“It’s super fulfilling to watch a child achieving goals they never attained before,” Lilly said.  

Related: Australia’s first National Strategy for Volunteering in a decade