EdConnect Australia is providing a home for the:
- Education Volunteers program through welcoming Ardoch volunteers into the almost identical EdConnect Learning Support program
- Literacy Buddies® and Numeracy Buddies programs
Another well-established not-for-profit, to be announced early in 2025, will continue running the:
- Residence programs (Writer/Artist/Robots-in-Residence)
- Life Starts program
- Future Starts program (a suite of Pathways programs delivered in rural and regional Victoria) (pending funding confirmation)
- Youth Advisory Group
Ongoing impact
Whether you are a school, potential corporate partner, funder or volunteer, if you are interested in:
Where it began
In 1988, Kathy Hilton, a teacher at Ardoch High School supported a homeless student to remain in school. Many more students, experiencing similar difficulties, soon followed and Ardoch was founded. Over time, it evolved, expanding into providing breakfast, books and resources. Most importantly, it provided a presence in schools to coordinate the response to student needs that allowed those students to engage in their learning. It offered a model that inspired many other schools to do the same, building community around the school.
As more organisations stepped up to provide different support services, Ardoch shifted into providing educational programs. These included programs to support literacy, numeracy, creativity, wellbeing and exploring career pathways, as well as excursions for children and young people who would otherwise miss out.
Endless gratitude
Ardoch was fortunate to receive occasional funding from the Victorian and Federal Governments but, overall, the hundreds of thousands of children it was able to support was largely thanks to philanthropic, corporate and individual support. Ardoch brought together volunteers, funders, schools and young people to create some remarkable change.
All who have been part of Ardoch remain grateful for the generosity of the many who have contributed over the years, and the wonderful working together to help children and young people experiencing disadvantage to realise their potential through education.
We hope you can continue to shine the light, with EdConnect and other organisations, on future possibilities for these students.