Grozdana Maric

Grozdana Maric is beaming because one of the students that she tutors at Kogarah public school graduated from the MULTILIT Reading program today.

Grozdana is a unique member of the ‘Word Up’ volunteer element of the Compass program because she is not a University of Sydney student, she is a Faculty of Economics and Business staff member.

Following a presentation delivered by staff from the Social Inclusion Unit at a Faculty of Economics and Business staff development and planning day in late 2009, Grozdana approached Compass staff in response to a request for reading volunteers to deliver in-school tutoring to low-progress readers in Compass schools.

After two days of intensive training in February facilitated by MULTILIT trainer Kyle Pitt, Grozdana’s faculty managers approved her request to volunteer at Kogarah public school for up to 3hrs each week as part of Grozdana’s professional development.

Social Inclusion Unit staff have been thrilled with the commitment to their outreach program shown by staff of the Economics and Business Faculty.

A Senior Project Officer with the Compass program says that “faculty support of the Compass program on this level is incredibly encouraging.”

Not only does the Faculty of Economics and Business support the Compass program through Grozdana’s work, they are also actively involved in several student days throughout the year and offer work experience for students from Compass schools.

Kogarah public school Principal Lea Kitchener says that her MULTILIT coordinator Jan Galton is “absolutely loving the MULTILIT program.” When asked about Grozdana’s work at the school Jan Galton simply asks “do you have any more Grozdanas?”

Having recently taken a position as Information Officer in the Faculty’s Careers and Employer Relations Office, Grozdana feels that her volunteering with Compass perfectly complements her new careers advisory role. She is now even better placed to explain to students the links between their educational experience and subsequent career success.

When asked if she is keen to continue with her volunteering at Kogarah public school in light of her new role, Grozdana looks surprised “oh definitely.” The Compass team, Kogarah public school and a number of struggling young students will be very happy by Grozdana’s answer.

Interested in volunteering with Compass?