The Teach Learn Grow (TLG) Rural Program offers free one-on-one tutoring and mentorship for primary students in rural and remote Australian schools.
Supported by passionate and high-achieving volunteers, the TLG Rural Program aims to combat educational disadvantage and uplift students’ passion for learning over a one-week intensive in June.
Opening image: TLG Executive Team 2023. Image: Teach Learn Grow.
What is TLG?
TLG is a non-profit organisation that prioritises students’ paths to success. Their vision is to see an Australia where every child has equal opportunities in education, regardless of their location, background, or circumstances.
The organisation has a variety of programs on offer including the Rural Program. The Rural Program sends volunteers out to various parts across NSW and WA for one week for any students that need assistance with mathematics, STEM, and school engagement.
A Teach Learn Grow volunteer with a student at Kondinin Primary School. Image: Teach Learn Grow.
TLG’s mission
TLG’s mission is to help rural, regional, and remote students overcome barriers by improving their educational outcomes and expanding their aspirations.
On average, children who come from low-income families are usually three years behind children who come from higher-income families. Students in rural and remote areas are also on average two years behind metropolitan students in mathematics and literacy, and 12 times more likely to be below the minimum schooling standard.
Teach Learn Grow, with the support of its volunteers and sponsors, strives to help bridge this education gap. TLG aims to help students reach their full potential, follow their dreams and provide them with new opportunities.
Teach Learn Grow volunteers in Norseman. Image: Teach Learn Grow.
One-on-one mentoring
TLG offers free one-on-one tutoring to help address any academic disadvantages. The program is based on four core values: Purpose, Community, Integrity, and Leadership.
Volunteers embody these values daily, aiming to help students succeed and become their best selves.
“The infusion of youthful, enthusiastic TLG volunteers and one-on-one tutoring really assisted students to grasp concepts and enjoy learning. Our students’ enthusiasm for learning went up dramatically,” said Brian Lee, Principal of Kondinin Primary School in Western Australia.
TLG volunteers in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Image: Teach Learn Grow.
Striving for success
TLG has grown into a well-loved and respected program that has helped numerous students over the years, who have greatly benefited from the volunteers’ support. In 2023, it was recorded that 87 per cent of students found maths more interesting to learn with TLG, 78 per cent learned better with one-on-one tutoring, and 97.5 per cent believed their maths skills improved after completing the Rural Program.
“Volunteering with TLG is a life-changing experience on so many levels. If you’ve never experienced what it’s like living in a remote community, it offers a glimpse into an eye-opening experience that will change your perspective on your privilege and challenge your values on how you can live a life that helps others,” said Charlene Foong, a TLG Volunteer at Mount Magnet District High School.
A TLG volunteer at a school in East Kimberly 2022. Image: Teach Learn Grow.
Want to volunteer?
For the Rural Program, it is a week-long process and volunteers will be sent out to different locations and will be assigned a student to work with for two hours a day, resulting in 10 hours of total commitment to their student’s growth and development. TLG notes that 100 per cent of the volunteers would recommend TLG to their friends and 93 per cent of volunteers are more aware of challenges that students face in low socioeconomic areas.
The next upcoming Rural Program is held from 17 June to 28 June 2024.
To learn more about Australian organisations doing great things, check out our Charities page here.