Special visit brightens children’s week

28 May 2015

By The Record

Yvonne from the Birds of Prey Centre shows the children the wild birds. PHOTO: St Vincent De Paul Society

Students who are currently being assisted through the St Vincent De Paul Society’s Belmont Homework Centre were recently delighted to receive a special visit from real-life birds of prey.

The Western Australian Birds of Prey Centre brought some of nature’s top predators to the Homework Centre, much to the excitement of the students who were able to interact with the majestic creatures.

The Homework Centre has been running for 12 years, assisting students from Years 3-6 who are struggling with study and homework.

Vinnies spokesperson Lisa Torre said the program empowers students by providing additional support to help make education an enjoyable part of their lives.

“The Homework Centre provides a nutritious afternoon tea, one-on-one tuition and assistance with homework, and the opportunity to join in with fun activities such as arts and crafts, science experiments, cooking, and team games that aim to develop life skills,” Ms Torre said.

“The aim is to improve the children’s schoolwork, foster their interpersonal skills, encourage their development as community members and improve their self-esteem, social and communication skills.

“Exciting excursions are undertaken on a variety of subjects in order to get the students interested and involved in ‘hands-on’ learning and the Birds of Prey visit is a terrific example of making learning fun,” Ms Torre said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society believes that education plays an important role in providing valuable future opportunities for young people experiencing hardship.

To donate and help make a positive difference in these young people’s lives, visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.