Summer Wrap Up Event and Achievements
Rural Program Achievements
During the 2024 Summer Rural Program from the 16th to the 30th of November, 240 TLG volunteers visited 24 schools across Western Australia. Volunteers provided 6274 hours of free one-on-one tutoring to 755 students across rural WA.
100% of volunteers found the recent TLG Rural Program a positive experience, 100% of volunteers believe TLG has a positive impact on students in rural and remote areas, and 97% are more aware of the factors that affect educational outcomes in Australia.
100% of school representatives believe that TLG had a positive impact on students and 100% of school representatives would recommend TLG to other teachers and schools.
“Having TLG tutors come to our school was a really positive experience for everyone involved. The students really enjoyed having additional support in the classroom and it meant they were able to push themselves and achieve more in each session. The tutors and students built strong relationships over the week they were here and my class still regularly talks about them.” – Principal
Program Volunteer Awards
On the 5th of December, TLG hosted our end-of-semester wrap up to celebrate the efforts of all our volunteers this semester. Each semester we recognise the outstanding achievements of some program volunteers who have truly gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of rural and remote students experiencing educational disadvantage. The Turbo Tutor Award is presented to an exceptional Rural Program Tutor who is passionate about creating positive change, helped form impactful bonds, and showed integrity and enthusiasm in their role. This semester’s Turbo Tutor was awarded to Neave Brookes.
The Emerging Leadership Award is presented to an incredible coordinator who tackled challenges in impressive ways and led their team to make a meaningful impact in the community they visited. This semester’s Emerging Leadership Award was presented to Emily Scanlan.
The TLG Tree Club is comprised of volunteers who have continuously contributed to TLG’s mission of bridging the gap in education through their efforts over five TLG programs. This semester two new members were welcomed to the Tree Club: Kim Tran, Hannah Knight, Anna Chilton, Charlotte Le Page, Hayley Savage, Katharine Mulligan, Mischa Jones and Tejaaswini Arcot Hemanth Kumar.
“The Rural Program is an experience for volunteers that you won't get anywhere else. Words can't describe how much you grow as both a tutor, and a person throughout and after the program. It's such rewarding work, and seeing your students grow to enjoy being at school more and more during the week is a completely priceless thing to witness. The program completely changes your outlook on life for the better, and opens your eyes to the extreme challenges in education in rural and remote communities. I would highly recommend the TLG Rural Program to any young person who is passionate about learning and helping create a more equal playing field for students in Australia.” – Rural Program Volunteer
Executive Volunteer Awards
The Student Executive volunteer team is composed of talented young volunteers who make TLG programs possible. Members of the student executive team contribute to all aspects of TLG, from interviewing prospective volunteers, to organising transport across WA, and designing educational resources for volunteers to use during programs.
Yasi Vijayasekaran (Logistics Manager) and Nandu Shibu (Volunteer Experience Manager) on Rural Program in Marble Bar.
Executive Volunteer Awards are presented to incredibly hard-working executive volunteers who have excelled in their time on the student executive team.
The Maple Leaf Award recognises hard workers who fly under the radar; this semester Maple Leaf Awards were presented to Anna Chilton and Catrina Hodgson.
The Golden Leaf Award recognises the team within the student executive which has best worked efficiently and helped lead a positive culture; this semester’s Golden Leaf Award was presented to the Recruitment Team: Danyon Cutler (Recruitment Manager), Catrina Hodgson, Dahlia Watts, Hanah Samnakay, Menaaz Khan and Mischa Jones.
The Volunteer of the Semester Award is presented to the student executive volunteer who best embodies TLG’s core values: excellence is our attitude; we are one team; and innovation is our nature. The Volunteer of the Semester for Semester 2 2024 was Emma Pearce.
Outstanding Service Awards and Honorary Life Memberships are awarded to volunteers who are ending their time on the student executive team this semester. Recipients of these awards must have consistently displayed TLG’s core values and made significant contributions beyond expectations towards the sustainable development of the organisation. This semester the Outstanding Service Awards were awarded to Chenoa Green, Lexie O'Brien, Evie Daniels Peake and Tehlia Kerr.
The prestigious Honorary Life Membership can only be received by volunteers who have been a member of the TLG student executive for at least 18 months, and demonstrated all the qualities of outstanding service by embodying TLG’s core values and making made a significant contribution above expectations of their role. This semester Danyon Cutler, Nandu Shibu and Will Lawler received Honorary Life Memberships.
“Participating in TLG's program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I've had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact we can make in our community, whether it's helping someone improve their mathematics skills or supporting educational initiatives. The sense of fulfillment and connection I've gained is invaluable. Volunteering with TLG not only allows me to give back but also to grow personally and professionally.” – Rural Program Volunteer
In-Semester Executive Volunteer Achievements
Throughout the semester, we recognise the efforts and achievements of outstanding members of the student executive team. Manager of the Month for this semester was awarded to Volunteer Experience Manager Nandu Shibu (July), Marketing Manager Mitch Morris (August) and Education Manager Katharine Mulligan (September).
The Turbo of the Fortnight is awarded to officers on the student executive volunteer team who have put in an outstanding effort in their role. This semester we recognised Emma Pearce, Diana Pekic, Paula Mathew, Mai Hoang, Menaaz Khan, Mischa Jones, Will Lawler, Shreeya Naroth, and Carla Schultz for their turbo efforts across the semester.
The Leaf Cup is awarded to the executive team who accumulates the most points through their participation in various activities throughout the semester including weekly executive-wide townhall meetings, professional development opportunities, and social events. The Leaf Cup recognises a passionate, proactive team who takes every opportunity to get involved in TLG, this semester the Leaf Cup was awarded to the Program Support Team: Chenoa Green (Program Support Manager), Diana Pekic, Jayden McCracken, Lauren Griffiths and Mai Hoang.
“Rural Program has been a highlight of the year - it was a very wholesome week of impactful work in bridging the education gap while connecting with likeminded people and having a break from city life in rural WA” – Rural Program Volunteer
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported TLG this past semester. Without the help of our volunteers and sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to make the amazing impact we do. 2025 is already looking like an amazing year for our programs and we can’t wait!
“My experience at TLG has been one of the most incredible parts of my life. Just seeing the tangible difference that it makes with the kids, as well as their excitement for TLG week makes everything worth it, and has definitely influenced me to teach rural. I only wish we could do it more than twice a year!” – Rural Program Volunteer
Executive Volunteer Team Semester 1 2024
Written by India Stone (General Manager of Development)