In response to numerous requests for academic support, the Soroptimists have established a university volunteer pool to address these needs. This comprehensive project aims to foster a more just and equitable society by ensuring:
- The human right to education: Providing quality education to students who lack access due to economic constraints.
- Equity and inclusion: Targeting students facing hardships to promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of background.
- Community support: Building connections through collaboration with universities and organizations, showcasing support for the most vulnerable.
- Empowerment: Offering long-term benefits that empower students and help break the cycle of poverty, providing tools for a better future.
This pilot project in the Lisbon area involves university volunteers providing free classes to institutionalised children, adolescents, and young students facing economic and family hardships. These classes help overcome diagnosed difficulties and promote both personal and academic success.
The initiative is crucial for the Soroptimists, as it offers study support that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the high cost of individual tutoring. The programme has already seen success, with students improving their academic performance and achieving good grades. Subjects covered include mathematics, language, history, and citizenship, with a strong emphasis on equality values, especially for students from troubled family backgrounds.
While students and parents have adapted well to the online format, the Soroptimists’ next goal is to arrange in-person meetings with tutors to further enrich the learning experience and assess progress!