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Our mission
In the spirit of Edmund Rice, ERCRS seeks to improve the lives of, and opportunities for, children and young people of a disadvantaged background by supporting them in their education and providing them with access to free learning support along with a range of social activities throughout the year.
Vision
ERCRS bases its vision of supporting young people, on the life and example of Edmund Rice, a businessman and philanthropist who lived in Ireland some 200 years ago. Edmund was open and alert to sense the needs of disadvantaged youth in his society, and to respond in a creative and energetic manner. His response centred on treating those who were disadvantaged with respect and dignity, with a focus on providing them access and opportunity to education. Edmund Rice Community & Refugee Services believes that in supporting the education of youth, they will not only have the encouragement to develop their own potential, but will in their own turn, nurture the learning opportunity of others.
Our values
Presence: We respect the dignity of all people, by working cooperatively and collaboratively with others, and by becoming engaged in the hopes, joys and aspirations of the wider community.
Compassion: We work at alleviating the suffering of others by developing understanding, empathy and respect in our relationships, as well as promoting social justice and human rights.
Liberation: We strive to recognise and liberate the potential within each person, especially those disadvantaged, so they can be healthy, valued and productive members of society.
Our programs
A Homework Club for primary students (Grades 3-6) operates in St Albans on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00pm at the Errington Centre, and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-5:00pm at Sunshine Harvester Primary School. This program involves the participation of peer tutors from secondary schools around Melbourne and adult volunteers from the community.
A Tutoring Program for secondary and tertiary students operates on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5:30pm at the Errington Centre and Saturdays from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Catholic Regional College Library in St Albans. Students are paired one-to-one with an adult tutor who can assist them with their studies.
Social activities are for students and volunteers involved in either of the above learning support programs. These include excursions and events throughout the year as well as two camps with our sister organisation, Edmund Rice Camps Victoria.
The Young Womens' Mentoring Program involves bimonthly excursions around Melbourne for students in years 10-11 from the tutoring program and their volunteer mentors. It provides a forum for these young women to support one another, build confidence, develop positive peer networks and become role models within their community.
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