Zaheer Dalal

Compass Volunteer: Semester 1, 2011 – present
Word-up – Primary School

Masters of Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Sydney

I grew up in Uganda and I did my undergraduate studies in South Africa, after which I took about half a year off. However, I realized wanted to further my education so applied to USYD engineering.

I did briefly volunteer for the Red Cross Society in Uganda a few years ago in activities such as providing first aid services and giving group counseling to people living with HIV. When I arrived at Sydney, I was looking to do some more volunteering and found out about Compass at their O-week stall.

I liked the Compass program's goals to encourage more children to join university by improving their literacy skills. I think it’s a great program because it’s necessary. I believe kids are the world’s future. They are the world's most important resource and it is important to educate that resource to their full potential. The students I've worked with have all improved in their reading skills and they all have a lot more interest in learning as we have more sessions together.

I knew working with Compass would be a great way to meet new people and give back to the community! I've also always wanted some practical teaching experience. The Compass staff have been extremely supportive and the training was quite comprehensive. Mike Tran, our volunteer coordinator is always available in case we have any difficulties. I think the program is run extremely well and I am thankful that I could be a part of it.