28 September 2017

This article and video were originally published on the Melbourne Catholic website.

Melbourne Catholic recently paid a visit to the Friday Night School, a unique charity offering tutoring for migrant and refugee students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The program, available to pre-schoolers, primary and secondary students as well as their parents, was established in 1996 by Margaret Gurry AM.

Richmond’s St Ignatius’ Parish hall hosts approximately 200 students each week that are tutored by dedicated secondary school students from a variety of Melbourne’s schools including; Xavier College, Kew; Genazzano FCJ College, Kew; Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak; Star of the Sea College, Brighton; Sacré Cœur, Glen Iris; St Kevin’s College, Toorak; as well as Lauriston Girls’ School and St Catherine’s School.

The students and tutors arrive at St Ignatius brimming with energy and enthusiasm despite the regular school week having already culminated.

The program's participants travel from various corners of Melbourne to be a part of the sessions on the cusp of the weekend, with some former students now giving back and tutoring.

For more information, visit the Friday Night School website.