Tutor Reflections

Lessons from Africa
By Louise Olliff
Imagine being drawn into the streets by the sound of drums and trumpets into a seething mass of people of all ages. Buckets of water are being playfully thrown about by young and old. There is laughter and chatter and beautifully-dressed women dancing and singing in the middle of the road. Everyone is clapping. It’s a massive street party taking place under the baking hot midday sun. The colour and energy is infectious and you join in.
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Intergenerationally speaking: a reflexive account of working across generations and cultures at the SAIL Program
By Michele Grossman
I joined SAIL as a volunteer tutor a little more than a year ago. A big drawcard for me was SAIL’s proximity – one of their campuses was located in Footscray, where I live and work.
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Smooth SAILing - University of Melbourne Assessment
By Kristen Smith
In the concrete, treeless landscape of outer Footscray stands a dilapidated church. So dilapidated in fact, that it has been threatened with demolition on a six monthly basis for about two years now.
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SMOOTH SAILING
By Alexandra Collier
On a Saturday morning in the spring of 2000, Anna-Grace Hopkins, a student of nineteen, sat on an inner city train that took her out through the west of Melbourne, past the green of Flemington racecourse, past the tropical vista of palm trees sprawling along the banks of the Maribynong River and into a concrete landscape of power poles and factories shading busy roads. She arrived at a dilapidated orange brick church in Footscray, with a metal cross pointing into the empty sky.
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Because it is fun and challenging and life-affirming. Because of the spirit of the thing; to do something that doesn't serve any other purpose than to add value to people and community.
Louise O

It is my belief that it is society's, and therefore each individual's, responsibility to ensure that everyone in that society has equality of opportunity.  The lynchpin of equality of opportunity is literacy.  If a person's literacy is not sufficient, then that person cannot enjoy the benefits of society to the maximum of his or her abilities and hence does not have equality of opportunity.  SAIL, in emphasising the improvement of literacy of all participants, but particularly the children, is attempting to redress the inequality of opportunity that exists for people from non-English speaking backgrounds
Phillip R

Because I love it!  It's colourful, crazy and chaotic, and it wouldn't be the same any other way…  For me, Saturdays are always a surprise, but mean a lot of different things.  Meeting up with my student and the other students I've got to know means being greeted with unreserved enthusiasm and is inevitably an hour and half of whirl-wind paced energy, and a good reminder of what it was like to be a 10, 11, 12 year old girl again!...  It's a chance too, to listen and be reminded of what other people have been through...  For me, they put a very real and personal 'face' on all those news reports that it can be too easy to tune out from.
Brooke C

If the rest of the world would try a bit of SAILing (care, compassion, trust) it would be a beautiful thing!
Josephine

The kids really cherish the one-on-one time and attention. So basically, one of the main reasons I SAIL is because it's fun, and we have the best group of kids anyone can imagine.  They have the opportunity to become anything they want to become, whether it be international soccer stars (as demonstrated in our soccer clinic), the next leader of the UN, an acclaimed neurosurgeon, or even a comedian (and we  certainly already have a few of them).  I like to think that at SAIL, we show them anything is possible.
Rhiarna

I sometimes believe that I get more out of the experience than the kids, but I know at the end of the day, when my two girls give me a thankyou hug that they also enjoy the time.
Sharon

I immigrated to Aus as a 12 year old from South Africa. I found it reasonably difficult then. And I was European, English speaking and came from a similar culture. How hard is it to do that move from Sudan, I still now can't imagine the extent of the difficulty. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to become involved in something more important than my lifes concerns. I love being there, it is the highlight of my week. I get so much joy from watching my student make progress. My only complaint is that you guys never put out a warning, like on cigarettes, "volunteering at SAIL may prove addictive."
Ben D.

In my job I spend huge amounts of time helping pepople who really don't need it. At SAIL, I spend a small amount of time helping people who do. I can't change the world, but I can change my little piece of it by contributing in this small way.
Jane A.

I SAIL because I feel it's important to do something in life apart from those things just focussed on yourself. One day I sat down and realised that my whole life revolved around my career and my social life and pretty much that was it. A pretty shallow and uninteresting existence! I found SAIL on the internet and the things that made me keen to help were firstly that it involved interaction with people and providing an opportunity for me to learn about another culture and refugees and secondly because my enquiries were replied to immediately and made feel that I was welcome and needed. I was keen to help somewhere where I felt that perhaps extra hands were hard to come by. Originally I enrolled for the creche and although I ended up in the kitchen, this is in fact I think probably for the best because I am inexperienced with children and much more organised in the cooking department!
Diana

It’s the most rewarding thing I do in my life. Its puts my stresses in perspective (eg exams) and makes me not take things for granted – food, family etc.
Tracy

I had been looking for a volunteer tutoring position for a while, and after experiencing the unique SAIL 'ambience' (that fantastic blend of chaotic energy and studiousness) I decided I would like to become a part of it all. It's a real buzz to see so many kids and adults give up their Saturday mornings to come to May Street to learn English, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to feel that I might make some small difference to a person's life by coming to SAIL. I wish the hard-hearted politicians in this country could come along to SAIL and meet these warm, friendly, charismatic Sudanese kids - many of whom have suffered things we cannot even imagine in our privileged Australian lives. SAIL has really helped me put a human face to the notion of refugee plight, and when considering the way in which many of these refugees have suffered and yet remain resilient, open, and friendly, it is hard not to have an immense respect for the Sudanese community. Ren

I have friends invovled in far left political groups. They sit discussing Marx and other writers and the evils of capatalism and saying how terrible other far left political groups are and once you know about stuff, really, the differences are very clear and important, etc. Ideas about how to change the world are really important, but I think it’s just as or more important to actually change it, make a society that is more equitable and gives people like those who go to Sail, with little money, language skills, sometimes difficult family lives, more of everything you need to get on in the world. Sail has had an amazing impact on a community and I feel very special to be able to contribute to helping people. I'm more conscious of this now the higher education reforms have gone through - As a potential high school teacher I will awful telling students that they should study at Uni and learn about what’s important to them when they quite likely won't have the money to. Sail gives an extra chance to a community that government, welfare and educations systems often don't.
Simon

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi
Seeing every-one else enjoying themselves like I do gives me a refreshing dose of what life is really about: learning, sharing, teaching, having fun and being happy. Its great to be around kids and adults who share the same values and are voluntarily acting on these values.
Claire W.

I started because I wanted to do something I thought I would want from people if I were forced to flee my homeland for a strange country. Now I do it because I love it. I love the people and discovering a new culture. I love the fact that every time I go to SAIL or do my home help I can see the real difference it makes in someones life. Most of all I love the friends I have made.
Katerina

Ha ha ha! Now that I know my student and her family and friends I could hardly stop!
Lastari

I'd like to say i'm a philanthropist, but in reality the reason i go to sail is pretty selfish - it makes me feel great! Walking into an environment where there is so much energy and humour and compassion is utterly revitalising. I often arrive exhausted or stressed, but by lunchtime I'm laughing with an affectionate toddler attached to my hip. There are times when I feel useless or helpless, but then I see Agoum's pride when she masters a difficult word or I hear Sara say she's going to be a doctor or a journalist, and suddenly I have a little more faith in the world. Laura

Because I know it's something I have to do to help me accept living in a country that is so isolated from so much human misery. Apart from that it's also great fun, and I love helping those less fortunate than me.
Kayzad

Because the kids are all great and it's lots of fun.
Sam

I first decided to do SAIL because I felt a bit empty and wanted to do something worthwhile with my time. Working with the Sudanese community has opened my eyes to what some people in this world go through, and the amazing strength they show for people in their position. Watching my student grow and improve has been one of the most rewarding experiences will ever have. To feel like I am helping someone in some way is the reason why I keep coming to SAIL.
Prue C.

Why not? How could you not? Each time I walk away from SAIL I wish I was doing more. I have met some amazing people through SAIL and I learn so much from coming each week. I'm going to miss it like hell next year.
Tom

My involvement in SAIL began due to my strong interest in international cultures coupled with my desire to be more productive with my spare time. In recent years I have had a number of fairly uninspiring jobs and it has occured to me that SAIL has become one of the more satisfying pursuits that I'm involved with. Despite ongoing challenges I genuinely enjoy, and find some fulfillment, knowing that in some small way I'm helping to improve the life of someone disadvantaged.
As a result of my involvement in SAIL I have developed an intermediate goal of becoming a professional ESL teacher overseas.
Luke P.

It is so much fun. There are lovely people who are immensely friendly and open. It really is nice to develop a close bond with your students, and see yours and their faces light up when you meet each week. It is lovely to see how people are able to teach in so many different, diverse and creative ways. Lunch is also a favorite time - because you can just muck around and be a kid again.
Farhad

I have a strong moral conscience, and I have always had a desire to help others. While I am by no means wealthy, I know that I live a priveleged life because I have a home, safety from persecution, an education, and food to eat. So I thought the best thing that I could give to another person was my time and attention. SAIL in particular, appeals to me because I'm disgusted with the way my government treats refugees, and in reaching out to the Sudanese community, I feel that I'm doing my small part to show that not all Australians feel the way that our PM does. Soapbox speech aside, I love working with children! And the joy of teaching someone something, that moment when something you're teaching just clicks - it's a great feeling. Plus (I know I'm going on and on, but there's a lot of reasons to cover here.. ..) I love the idea of different cultures coming together and learning from one another. I myself am from a non-English speaking background and I value the richness of other cultures and places. Also, meeting new people and doing something a bit different. So that's why I SAIL. Phew.
Rebecca

I started doing SAIL firstly because I was tired of constanly complaining about the unsympathetic policies of our Government, of which their 'border protection' policy is the most graphic example, without really doing anything to back my words up.
And I have found it to be a very rich experience, and really have a great deal of admiration for the co-ordinators for setting up and successfully running something that makes a really huge difference to people's lives.
Not only is it fascinating to have contact with people whose life experiences are such a gulf away from my own, it is also a real kick to feel that you are in your own small way making a contribution to someone else's life. This has been particularly welcome in my life at the moment, giving me a good dose of perspective while I'm finishing up a degree surrounded by super-motivated, goal-oriented law students!
Finally, having not had any younger brothers sisters or cousins etc, it has definitely been an eye opener for how to relate to and deal with children!
Michael

Why not? I haven’t found anything else that has given me the same buzz that I get once I've spent a Saturday morning at the SAIL Program. Seeing the way in which the program helps the Sudanese community in every way possible, from language tuition to home help and knowing that I am lucky enough to be a part of it is fantastic. Everything from the development of your students English, to the hug at the end of the morning from someone you pick up is motivation to go every Saturday, and wish that you could SAIL more than just once a week!
Caitlin W.

I'm a firm believer that it is a responsibility as a member of humanity to contribute in some way to make the world a better place. Some people can contribute their money, I can contribute my time. Why SAIL? I SAIL because it is a fantastic program that is really needed by this community (and many other unfortunately). The SAIL program is proactive and offers practical, meaningful help, that will make a differance in these peoples lives. This exceptional program is something that I'm sad to see as a volunteer organisation, because in this lucky country we should be able to provide this and many other essential services without being reliant on the selflessness of yourselves and the volunteers. The time and effort that you as organisers put into it is truly amazing and you are nothing less than spectacular human beings for devoting so much of your already busy lives to such a wonderful program and community. Finally, my motives are not entirely selfless and holier than thou, I SAIL because I enjoy it. I enjoy having the opportunity to help people in need, and I enjoy everything that my students bring to me - cultural awareness, thanks and a lot of laughs. Thankyou for providing the community and myself with such a spectacular program - you are angels.
Clarissa

Mainly for the enjoyment gained from doing something new, different and important; especially because it's hands on and with a bunch of people with such a high energy dynamic, and a student who really wants to learn. Also, for teaching experience so that when I start course work next year my learning won't just be based in theory.
Donna

I love the interchange with people of a different culture and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute something, albeit tiny, to the welfare of a people who have suffered more than anyone should have to.
Lynda


Being involved in business and advertising in my work-life, my desire to contribute to a more meaningful and socially aware cause has only heightened. Day after day when you strive to add another million or so to your clients' profits you certainly realise the disparity in society.

At SAIL those in true need get some much deserved help, assistance and care and you, the tutor, gets a certain inner glow never found in a boardroom. Of all the volunteer and community work I have been involved in SAIL has given me brightest glow, you get such adoration and immediate reward working with the gorgeous Sudanese community.
Ariana


I come to SAIL for two reasons. One is because I support refugees and racial harmony. I come from a country which is multi racial, multi religious and multi lingual (Malaysia!) and when I first came to Australia (in the middle of last year) I didn't feel very comfortable or welcomed in a society which was predominantly white. I longed for a feeling of home, where people of all sorts of backgrounds would freely mix with one another irrespective or race or religion.

I finally found SAIL via internet searching and have not looked back since. SAIL is truly a unique community where people, young, old (!), middle aged, all come together for the love of the Sudanese community. There is not one week when I feel that sense of love and belonging fade. SAIL has given me a sense of home, where people get together to talk, to laugh, to have a good time and to learn.

The second reason why I come to SAIL is simply because I love children. Despite having a year or so experience in tutoring, I can honestly say that teaching the SAIL children, for me, was learning to teach all over again. I realise how different children are but most importantly I learnt how to get down to their level, not just to teach English, but to truly feel where they were coming from. At first I found it particularly difficult to physically touch a child because I was so paranoid about the way they would react to my touch.

Suprisingly, my very first (quiet and shy) student, became the very person who would teach me that it was ok to reach out to give her a cuddle. It was an overwhleming experience for me as I did not come from a society which was openly affectionate. Now, a week without a simple hug with my two girls would leave me feeling as if the weekly lesson was not complete!

On remembering my very first SAIL session, I know I've learnt a lot from my children. Despite minor hiccups that came along the way, I know that I would still be waking up early on Saturday mornings (!) for as long as possible. SAIL has given me such a wonderful opportunity to love and to be loved in return. I wouldn't give it up for the world!
Christine


I started SAIL shortly after my sister did last year. I remember her asking Mum and I if we were excited that we were going to SAIL. Mum and I both laughed at the question because it seemed kind of silly to us, but on arriving I could see why she had asked us - it is exciting! SAIL is now the highlight of the week and with three out of four of my family members involved - it has now become a fairly central part of our lives (and provides us with an excellent excuse to go and grab a coffee together after all the kids have been dropped home).

All three of us are enamoured with our students and their stories. It is so heartening to witness their developments and progress especially as the kids get more comfortable with working with you and start to get over their shyness. I have always felt with SAIL that we get a lot more out of it than we, as tutors, put in. Its great to be involved with the SAIL community and its fabulous to be part of something that is making a positive and practical difference to refugee issues in Australia.
Kristen


I love the atmosphere at SAIL - everyone's there for the same reason - and I love looking up every so often from my tutoring and gazing around the hall - and all you see is this great group of people caught up in a mutual effort - people of every kind of race and colour, people of different ages, and you see that on this micro level, people have such an amazing capacity to understand each other (or to want to try to understand each other) and I start getting caught up wondering how the world would be if this were just expanded to some macro level - and then some little kid breaks the moment by attempting chopsticks on the piano - but you get what I mean. I mean SAIL's not perfect - nothing is, & I'm not trying to gloss over the chaos and the difficulties, but it has a good heart. And also I come to SAIL because I would miss my crazy girls too much if I didn't.
Jane


For starters the kids are beautiful and very receptive to interacting with the tutors. What makes me keep on coming is that I have the chance to help someone understand, learn and am able to help them believe they can achieve greater and greater things. I think it's more about being friends with the students then actually teaching them because you both get more out of it. In the end it is easier to get your student to co-operate and learn if you are friends and are able to laugh and make jokes with one another.
Ayesha


I'm keen to participate in a grass-roots organisation that serves to fill the gaps that our welfare system is renowned for having.
Maja


After doing the welcome tour on my first visit I knew I could not go home and ignore what I had seen. I knew that for only an hour and a half each week I could help this program which is doing such magnificent work. The program has been fun since day one, and just seeing the smile on my students face each Saturday morning is enough to make me keep coming back. Knowing that I am able to help someone who truly needs it, and to be able to build a friendship with them is the best feeling I've ever experienced. All week I look forward to Saturday morning. Thankyou SAIL!
Sarah


I come to SAIL for the sense of community it brings, as well as for the opportunity to feel involved in my students' development. Increasingly, the concern for my students' welfare and the knowledge that I have a role to play in that, has driven me to continue my involvement, despite time pressures. And, after all, it is a marvellous, well-run and ultimately rewarding program.
Ben


I had been involved in social action activities in regards to the plight of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and while I also had some contact with asylum seekers in detention I really wanted to do something that would be of direst benefit to refugees and asylum seekers. I'm also continuing my studies and want to focus on issues relating to refugees and asylum seekers and SAIL gives me the opportunity to learn and gain insight into the experiences and the implications of life as asylum seekers and refuges and to witness the effects of government policy and media images that have a direct and indirect impact on people seeking asylum here in Australia.
Yvonne


Talking to the kids at SAIL and hearing what they've been through in their 10 or 11 years puts our rich and privileged society's dramas and worries into perspective. Seeing how happy and normal the kids are should make anyone realise just how much we have in Australia, and how good our position is to really make a difference.
Katrina


I was also looking for something new and challenging to do, and a purpose outside of work. After the first day of SAIL, I realised the program would be all this and more. There is such a friendly, happy, chaotic atmosphere, and there are so many wonderful people that coming to SAIL has now become the highlight of my week. It has opened me up to another side of life, and I have learnt a lot from the experience.
Jessica


I come to SAIL because tutoring English seems to be a very practical way of helping people who have been less fortunate than me. Like many people, I feel dismayed by the way people from certain races, cultures and places are mistreated, and providing some practical assistance at a local level makes me feel more positive about the World I live in. I also enjoy the opportunity to mix with people outside the cosy confines of white middle-class Australia.
Sarah McD


I wanted to channel my anger into something positive - to let refugees know that government policy did not necessarily reflect the feeling of the people. But now I have more personal reasons for coming - to hear the kids I collect buzzing with excitement when I roll up 'Maureen's here, Maureen's here!' before they bowl out of the door and pile into the car. To hear a four year-old I collect every week always suggest 'chicken' when we sing 'Old Macdonald' in the car on the way. To have my student enthusiastically launch herself at me with complete abandon and utter disregard for personal safety when I arrive. To be welcomed so whole-heartedly by such an open-hearted and supportive community feeds the spirit, and hopefully they get something out of it too.
Maureen


I come to SAIL because the kids make me smile from Saturday to Friday night (and then I remember that I have to get up early on Saturday morning and groan about it for a few minutes before smiling again); I come to SAIL because we make a difference; I come to SAIL because I can offer some stability to my students and the people I collect and everyone that is lucky enough to be part of SAIL. I come because I can.
Noah


It is really fulfilling to actually be doing something for refugees, and I have met so many nice people at SAIL (students and tutors). It made me feel really happy when Abuk told me that she likes having me as her tutor and asked if I would be her tutor for ever. That and watching her progress makes getting up on Saturday mornings worthwhile! Going to SAIL has made me happier and my life more full.
Bridget


I come because it is a privilege and a miracle to watch her open about her school life and home life, to see her suspicion transform into quiet pride as I say 'Wow…your spelling is becoming really fantastic'. Every time my student believes what I tell her, she continues to build on her belief in herself. This to me is the most compelling reason for teaching.
Katia


I really like what I'm doing not only because I get to help people, but because it reminded me of myself when I was younger. As a foreigner, I understand and I have been to situations in my earlier days, where problems in communication had lead to difficult situations at school with both friends and teachers. In doing SAIL, not only that I am reversing my role in my younger life, but I also have a chance to improve myself in English and improving myself as a human being.
Panu


I come to SAIL because I want the whole world to be friends, and because this is much easier if you have at least one language in common! Plus, the kids are really great - very friendly and easy going, and a lot of them must have enormous potential so it makes me feel really good to be able to help them. I want to be able to look back and feel like I've achieved something that means more than good marks at uni. Plus, my favourite teacher at uni is from Africa and I guess that just makes me think more than anything I've ever read or discussed with anyone.
Lastari


I am enjoying the building of bonds between different community groups, the friendships and the contribution to creating cohesion in the broader community through building communication skills together.
It is a delight to learn from each other and notice the confidence progress in individuals as they settle in a new society while sharing stories of their previous experiences. Many speak several languages already and have very responsible roles within their home lives. The kids are an inspiration.
Rebecca


The high of arriving on Saturday mornings to the beautiful tribal singing is second to none. Actually it is. Walking in to the foyer of the church and having you're student(s) spin around, big smile on their faces, and waving to you and pointing you out to their friends. It brings all problems in to perspective, and your heart melts. My knees seem to disappear as soon as my student asks her weekly question of "Miss, can i take these pencils home". I have given up asking her to use my more common and masculine name, Joe.

It is well worth while waiting around after tutoring to play soccer, or other games, but be aware that if you offer to give one shoulder ride or piggy back it is more than likely that many more requests will soon be made and also in the weeks (months) to follow. You walk away exhausted, but recharged for what may follow in the next week, your heart is renewed and a new, fresher blood seems to flow through your veins.
Joe


Because I know in the same situation, I would want people to teach me the local language and accept me into their community. It's awesome to see your student improve and know that maybe in some tiny (incy) part , a little bit had to do with you.

"Do not depend on the hope of results. When you are doing the sort of work
you have taken on...you may have to face the fact that your work will be
apparently worthless and even achieve no result at all, if not perhaps
results opposite to what you expect. As you get used to this idea, you start
more and more to concentrate not on the results, but on the value, the
rightness, the truth of the work itself. And there, too, a great deal has
to be gone through, as gradually you struggle less and less for an idea and
more and more for a specific people. The range tends to narrow down, but it
gets more real. In the end, it is the reality of personal relationships that
saves everything." - Thomas Merton
Lindy