We support

The community work of the following organisations is supported by the SAIL Program. The aim of this page is to be a useful guide for those who are seeking volunteer work but who can't, for whatever reason, attend SAIL, or who want a volunteer experience focused on something slightly different.

The SAIL locations are not convenient for me, where else can I volunteer in Melbourne?

Wednesday Night Tutoring is a program that provides academic assistance to children, mainly from Timor Leste, Ethiopia, Iran and Vietnam. It runs during the school term on each Wednesday night between 7:30pm and 9:00pm at the Richmond housing commissions flats, in the homes of recently arrived refugees and migrants. The Wednesday Night Tutoring Service is associated with Society of St Vincent de Paul. Join the team at the Wednesday Night Tutoring Service in Richmond here.

The Monash Student Association English Teaching for Refugees Program
This is an excellent program run through for Afghani refugees. It provides them with free English classes and general support. Volunteers generally tutor 'survival English' to a small group of refugees one night per week. The program has a resource library. Contact: Eli Grieg - Eli.Grieg@adm.monash.edu.au - 0402 937 208

I can't do Saturdays but want to help recent arrivals in Melbourne’s Western suburbs

Western Young People's Independent Network
The Western Young People's Independent Network (WYPIN) provides services to young people living in the inner west of Melbourne including a homework support program, internet access and advocacy on issues such as racism and employment. The Sudanese community are ongoing beneficiaries of the work of the WYPIN volunteer team.

I don't live in Melbourne, can I work with Sudanese people in other states?

Unfortunately, we are not aware of similar programs for Sudanese people except the following:

Brisbane
Volunteer Refugee Tutoring & Community Support Program
VoRTCS provides a tailored, in-home tutoring and support network for the most recent arrivals to Brisbane.  The organisation shares close ties with the SAIL Program as it offers a similar range of services based on the same fundamental beliefs. Applications to join VoRTCS are received by email to info@refugeetutoring.org.

Adelaide
Panhom is an organisation based in Adelaide that aims to support the growth and development of South Sudan and its people. The organisation is particularly concerned with boosting education services in South Sudan.

I'm a Melbourne University student and want credit for my volunteer work

The Student Ambassador Leadership Program is run from Melbourne University. It gives students the opportunity to enhance their experience at University by getting involved in community service and leadership seminars and workshops. Several SAIL tutors are Student Ambassadors.

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We generally support the work of the following organisations.

Western Chances
Western Chances assists young people in the Western Suburbs to realise their potential through the provision of scholarships. Numerous SAIL participants have been the grateful and worthy beneficiaries of Western Chances through a significant donation of a former SAIL volunteer.  

MADMAD
The Melbourne Apathy Destroyers Making A Difference Group organise youth fundraising events in Melbourne, Australia. Their hard work has resulted in a numerous benefit gigs with funds raised going to Sudanese refugees in Africa. If you are looking for an opportunity to assist with fundraising for Sudan in Australia please contact them through the contact details on their website.

CMYI
The Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI) is a statewide community-based organisation that aims to strengthen and build innovative partnerships between young people, support services and the community to enhance life opportunities for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds.

OakTree Foundation
The OakTree Foundation raises money to implement sustainable education projects in southern Africa. The Foundation that is run exclusively by youth who work within their communities in Australia to fundraise for overseas projects.