Most Wednesday afternoons Inaburra School visual arts teacher Genelle Griffin and teacher librarian Jenni Lochens have been racing 50 minutes from Menai to Minto in order to help a dozen Aboriginal kids with their homework.
They speed from their own staff meeting so they can catch the end of the brand new homework program run by Minto Indigenous Anglican Church that wraps up at 5pm.
"It is the unbelievable response of the kids that motivates me to drive that far for such a short time of helping; the children have such beautiful hearts." says Genelle.
"There were literally no pens, paper or books at the center when it started. But the people of St Paul's Anglican [Menai], staff at Inaburra School and children from Illawong Public School have helped to give these children a start by donating some of these items". Jenni was thrilled to be able to accept some books from companies she has dealt with including Endeavour Books who have donated books for research and reading.
The children have good school teachers but they just need the follow up support with Homework and Assignments.
But Genelle says her efforts for the kids are "no big deal'. She says Maxine Lawrence is "the real hero'.
Maxine, is the wife of church pastor Jim Lawrence, helps run the church's kids club and a Bible Study for 25 young people.
"In the past some of the children from the church go to Maxine's house to use the computer for their assignments, one after another," says Genelle. "Sometimes kids are there until 1 am in the morning, and all the time Maxine is there helping them.". "It is terrific that Danebank (Anglican Girls School) has donated a few computers to help with research and assignments".
The formal homework program is Maxine's latest initiative.
"We could see that some of our church kids were really struggling to finish their homework," says Maxine. "We have been concentrating on the children who attend the programs within our church. But some people in the community heard about the program and asked if they can send their kids."
Genelle and Jenni first heard about the program when an announcement was made at there church - St Paul's, Menai - that Maxine Lawrence needed some paper for her homework program.
Maxine hopes there might be other trained Christians teachers who can volunteer some of their time and skills. "Education is one of the ways that we can help raise Indigenous Christian leaders of the future". As Christians we can use the skills God has given us to empower others, giving of our time generously." Says Genelle.
Genelle, who has three young children, says "It's finding time that is the hardest' for today's busy Christians. "The kids at the Homework Centre need people who will genuinely care and encourage them. By being willing to listen to them read is just one of those ways".
Maxine agrees that education means so much to the Aboriginal children of Minto.
"It's a real step forward for us as Aboriginal people," says Maxine.
If you are able to volunteer your time to help call Maxine Lawrence on 4625 9746 or email Genelle Griffin.
