Hilfswerk launches volunteer learning support in Lower Austria

Hilfswerk Niederösterreich has launched a volunteer programme to help children with schoolwork and ease the workload of staff in after-school care, ORF reports. The Lern.Zeit scheme provides “learning buddies” to support children during study sessions and in their daily care.

At the student centre in Korneuburg, volunteers Ernestine Bousek and Eva Brunnhuber work with children individually or in small groups, helping with homework and preparation for tests. Bousek visits once a week and supports children with reading, writing and maths.

The volunteers are intended to supplement, not replace, education professionals. Staff at some centres are responsible for more than 20 children at a time, leaving limited opportunity for individual help. Fourth-grade pupils at the Korneuburg centre said the extra support helps them understand their work.

There are currently 20 learning buddies working across Lower Austria, all on a voluntary basis. Hilfswerk Niederösterreich managing director Christoph Gleirscher said the programme is not intended to replace private tutoring, but to provide support through a positive, personal relationship.

The organisation is seeking more volunteers to expand the service for pupils in the first to eighth grades. No teaching qualification is required, but volunteers should enjoy working with children and be willing to help. Hilfswerk prepares and supports volunteers and offers training and professional guidance.

Lern.Zeit builds on the organisation’s Lesezeit reading programme, which has operated since 2022. About 270 volunteer reading mentors work at 68 locations, reading to children and encouraging them to read themselves.