The Project
The Exodus Foundation Tutorial Centre Redfern is an exciting
new project that will provide excellence in education to the disadvantaged
children of Redfern. For the past 11 years the Exodus Foundation has brought
the joy of reading, the chance of education and the gift of a future to
children such as these.
The children we help have, amongst other problems, poor
literacy and are well behind their peers at school. They are at risk of
becoming further disaffected, and of dropping out of school entirely. Often
they experience a troubled home life.
Our programs have had an extraordinary impact — over 650
children have been set on a path to a brighter future.
The Tutorial Centre program being offered at Redfern is a
systematic and intensive literacy program developed by Macquarie University
Special Education Centre. Children who are disadvantaged and behind in reading
skills are refered to our Tutorial Centre by local schools. Over a period of
just 20 weeks our Tutorial Centre program is able to achieve remarkable results
with these children. In many cases they leave with reading levels equal to or
better than those of their peers in regular school.
- ‘The
current aim of the Exodus Foundation Tutorial Centre Redfern is to advance
the literacy levels of disadvantaged children to an age appropriate level. - We
know we are successful — children are tested when they enter the program
and when they leave. Research shows that students regularly exceed
expectations and perform at a more advanced level than peers who did not
attend the program. - The
program is provided free of charge. Children are identified through local
schools land are encouraged to enrol. - ‘Our
senior instructors are highly qualified, holding education or psychology
postgraduate qualifications. All are strongly committed to the wellbeing
of the students. - Volunteers
are trained in special reading and training techniques. They spend five
‘sessions with a child each week. - The
student/teacher ratio is one to five — children are on task 90% of the
time and get the attention they need to improve - Teachers
practice positive teaching which is aimed at building self esteem and
changing self-defeating behaviours. - Participating
local schools release the students for five mornings per week for the
duration of the 20 week program. - We
will assist up to 64 children per year. The majority are indigenous
children.
The Cost
- We
need $2million to run the Exodus Foundation Tutorial Centre Redfern into
2008 and beyond.
Estimated costs in 2008.
Program $760,000
Bus and driver (outsourced) $ 48,000
Rent on premises $ 42,000
Excursions, textbooks and treats $
20,000
Operations and maintenance $ 10,000
Total $880,000
- The
cost per student is $13,750 to complete the 20 week program.
If we consider the
cost of ignorance then this is a good investment. If we consider this
investment in the broadest terms, it offers immeasurable value that will return
an enormous dividend to the community during the lifetime of each child we
help.
Non-government
contributions so far
Ernst & Young Foundation $50,000
Private donations $25,000
$ 4,000
$ 2,000
$ 150
$ 100
In Partnership with
You
In recognition of your support we will create, where
possible, the following opportunities for you:
- Visiting
opportunities to observe the school and students. - Volunteer
opportunities as reading partners. - Photo
opportunities with Rev. Bill Crews and the Exodus Foundation staff and
volunteers. - Suitable
opportunities for naming rights.
Invitation to
Contribute
We invite you to consider investing further in the future of
the children who attend the Exodus Tutorial Centre Redfern. Below are some
contributions to consider.
Support a child for one week $ 700.00
Contribute to excursions and rewards for the children $
1000.00
Contribute to the cost of the bus and driver $ 2000.00 (two weeks)
Contribute on a regular monthly basis $
500.00 (per month)
Support a child for one month $ 2,800.00
Support a child through a 20 week course $13,750.00
(per child)
Name a scholarship in honour of a special person $13,750.00 (per child)
Pledge to support the program for 3 to 5 years $20,000.00
(per year)
If you would like to make a donation, or you want to discuss
how you might contribute, please contact:
Michael Crews: 02 8752
4600
Leonie Wilbow: 02 8752
4622
The Exodus Foundation 180 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW 2131- P: 02 8752 4600 • F:
02 9798 8867 • W: www.billcrews.com.au