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KIDS HOPE AUS. is a World Vision ministry aimed at creating a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable Australian children and their families. It is a mentoring ministry built on a long-term partnership between local churches and primary schools, where a caring adult from the church spends one hour each week with a child. Kids Hope Aus is a World Vision program that The Oasis is in partnership with Woodcrest College. It is a one-to-one mentoring program with children aged 5-8 years old who the school have identified as “at risk” students. Kids Hope Aus aims to assist the children academically, emotionally, socially and behaviourally through mentoring. We currently have 8 dedicated mentors who meet with their special child each week.
The importance of positive human relationships in children's lives cannot be overstated. They are the essential building blocks for healthy development. And yet, many Australian children lack significant one-to-one relationships with a caring adult, other than their parents.
Early intervention into these children's lives, especially those considered vulnerable and at risk, will significantly improve their life chances in education, health, social competence and wellbeing.
The Oasis is involved in Kids Hope at Woodcrest College.
 Here are some thoughts from one of the schools’ teachers who has had two of her students involved with Kids Hope Aus since its inception at Woodcrest College.
Kids Hope has been a wonderful experience for me and two of my students. John was a young boy who needed lots of encouragement and just to feel as though he belonged and was cared for. The Kids Hope Aus mentor brightened his day each Wednesday, he couldn’t wait for her visits and would beam from ear to ear when she arrived. John really felt that this was his special time and the benefits were enormous. John would try games and activities that he would not attempt in the classroom environment, he gained so much confidence. At the end of the year party John couldn’t wait to introduce his parents to his special friend. The bond they had formed was priceless. The program is just so beneficial to everyone involved. John gained new confidence and was able to try new skills in a safe environment with a person he could trust. As a teacher I was so grateful that this little boy who needed so much attention had a trusted person there for him each week and I could set tasks that I would not otherwise be able to implement on my own. |
