VOLUNTEER mentors are needed for an online program that supports disadvantaged students with career guidance and advice.
Run by The Smith Family, the iTrack program has about 1300 students needing mentors.
Bianca Milburn, of Victoria Point, who volunteered as a mentor this year encouraged others to put their hand up for the project.
“It’s good to think outside of our own little life,” she said.
“I feel like I am giving back to society and I am big on that.
“It’s paying it forward as I have had mentors in the past.”
Ms Milburn sponsors a child through The Smith Family, but applied for iTrack because she wanted to do more volunteer work.
The Smith Family’s national manager of volunteering Lauren Stocker said iTrack provided support for students in years 9 to 11 from disadvantaged communities with direction on their post-school options.
“For an hour per week over two school terms, mentors chat with their student via a monitored, secure online chatroom to provide guidance, advice and encouragement on work, study and career opportunities,” she said.
“In today’s time-poor society, iTrack is one of the easiest volunteering opportunities to take part in as it takes place online – you don’t even have to leave your home or office to participate.”
Ms Stocker said mentors could have a huge impact on a student’s life and the benefits also extended to the mentors.
“Volunteering through the iTrack program is a great opportunity to expand your skills and experience, and boost your well-being by knowing that you’re having a genuine impact on a student’s future.”
Ms Milburn said she chatted to students about their school subject choice, courses to study at university and getting a part-time job that would be helpful for their career.
She said the mentors provided a different perspective for students which was encouraging and helpful.
Ms Stocker said mentors needed to be good communicators and supportive.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the 2017 program can register at thesmithfamily.com.au.
