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Baldivis resident wins volunteer award with EdConnect Australia

Hannah CrossSound Telegraph
Learning Support Volunteer of the Year Winnie Cheong.
Camera IconLearning Support Volunteer of the Year Winnie Cheong. Credit: Supplied

A Baldivis resident has been named Learning Support Volunteer of the Year by EdConnect Australia for her work supporting children’s learning in schools.

Winnie Cheong, 47, is one of more than 1500 EdConnect volunteers who supported more than 17,500 students across WA, NSW and Victoria last year.

The non-profit group aims to train and place volunteers in local schools to support vulnerable students.

Ms Cheong has been a volunteer since 2017 and is placed at Settlers Primary School in Baldivis, where she assists children each in a learning support capacity.

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“I believe that children deserve a good education and a bright future, and unfortunately the learning journey isn’t always smooth. There are ups and downs. I am more than happy to fill the gap should the need arise,” Ms Cheong said.

EdConnect Peel, South West and Albany liaison officer Karen Barden said Ms Cheong was a versatile volunteer who could adapt to any school.

“Winnie takes her volunteering seriously but has heaps of fun while she does. She plans out her sessions through the year and easily fits in with how the school likes their program to run,” Ms Barden said.

“Winnie is a fantastic example of the value someone who has English as their second language has and what they can bring to a school.”

Settlers Primary School associate principal Debbie MacKenzie said Ms Cheong “never misses a beat”.

“She is always positive with the kids, so friendly and so loving with them, but also ensures they meet the goals we have set with them,” Ms MacKenzie said.

Other award winners included:

  • Mentor Volunteer of the Year, Carmel Ward, Greenwood College;
  • Peel Volunteer of the Year, Kerry Davies, Coastal Lakes College;
  • Pilbara Mentor of the Year, Leanne Ruston, Hedland Senior High School;
  • School Coordinator of the Year, Joyce Michael, Lynwood Senior High School.

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