Ardoch’s Legacy Lives On

 

After 36 years, Ardoch ceased operations on 18 December 2024. Before closing its doors, Ardoch identified two wonderful organisations, with common purpose, to pick up most of its programs so its legacy and impact can live on.

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.