To meet the growing need for accessible and affordable youth learning support, the Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre (SJCRC) delivered a tutoring program throughout the school term.
Over 10 weeks of term two, out of school literacy tutoring was available for students.
SJCRC coordinator Jane Lean said they introduced the program to address the financial struggles faced by local families.
“We saw firsthand the struggle many local families were facing,” she said.
“Too often, parents are forced to choose between daily essentials and the extra support their children need to thrive academically. We knew something had to change.”
Ms Lean said the tutoring centred around literacy as it was essential for students to do well in school.
“Literacy is the foundation for all other learning — without it, a child’s entire education is at risk,’ she said.
“If a student can’t read a maths question, they can’t answer it. If they struggle to understand written instructions, they fall behind not just in English, but in every subject.
“As this gap widens, it can deeply affect a child’s confidence, sense of self-worth, and willingness to engage in school.
“Over time, academic struggles can lead to disengagement, anxiety, and in some cases, mental health challenges. That’s why early intervention in literacy isn’t just educational — it’s essential for a child’s overall wellbeing”.
A qualified teacher was employed by the centre in addition to a special needs educator which led to an immediate response for tutoring from families.
“Our first pilot program sold out within 24 hours,” Ms Lean said.
“It confirmed just how desperately needed this was. The waitlist grew so quickly that we reached out to a second sponsor, who generously enabled us to launch a second, identical program for Term 3.
“This has never been about ticking a box or chasing profit. We designed this to deliver real results — and it’s working. Parents, children, and even schoolteachers are noticing the difference.”
To celebrate the achievements of the students at the end of each term, participants were awarded with a certificate, a small gift and a mini afternoon tea.
“Seeing their smiles and confidence grow — that’s the real reward,” Ms Lean said.
“We’re proud at SJCRC to be offering a service within the Shire that makes real impact with real results for our future generation, and we’re just getting started.”
In 2026, Ms Lean hopes to offer up to six classes per week, with classes for term three available at the end of July when the school term commences.
