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Catalyst Clemente needs Learning Partners
Do you want to make a difference?
Have you experienced the liberation knowledge brings?
Would you like to help others make that same discovery?
Would you like to be part of something that offers hope and
opens doors
for people who experience disadvantage and marginalisation?
Do you want to try something new
and meet people who might help you see the world differently?
Being a Catalyst Clemente Learning
Partner
A key to the success of Catalyst Clemente is the involvement of
volunteer Learning Partners who assist participants with the
‘process of learning’ over the 12 week course. This assistance
has two dimensions:
i) providing support, encouragement and study skill assistance
to students (e.g. help with organisational skills, essay
writing, internet searches, research and library use);
ii) developing relationships which model good human engagement
by engendering trust and building self-esteem.
Because Learning Partners assist with the learning process, they
do not need to be experts in the course content. They work in a
variety of modes – sometimes one on one with students and
sometimes with small groups depending on student needs and
learning partner availability.
Learning Partners are supported by the Catalyst Clemente
Co-ordinator. Any issues or concerns are directed to the
co-ordinator. Learning Partners do not function as counsellors
or liaise with welfare agencies on behalf of students.
Learning Partners participate in a ‘Learning Partner Welcome’ to
consider important dimensions of their role, and will receive
ongoing support via the Catalyst Clemente Newcastle Co-ordinator
throughout each unit.
Catalyst Clemente has chosen the term ‘Learning Partner’ because
it conveys the understanding that this is an equal partnership
of giving and receiving. Hopefully the Learning Partner will be
as personally enriched by the experience as the student.
How much time would I need to
commit?
Learning Partners and students meet once a week for an hour and
a half to two hours for the 13 weeks. This includes a final
week after lectures are complete. Currently these sessions are
scheduled for Wednesday afternoons from 3.00 - 5.00 pm.
In addition to this, Learning Partners are asked to attend the
'Learning Partner Welcome', a mid-course and end of course
review session, and unit celebrations.
Due to the vulnerability of the students, it is important that
Learning Partners commit to participate in a whole unit (13
weeks).
Please note public holidays are respected and there is usually a
mid semester break. This means the 12 teaching weeks may not be
delivered over 12 consecutive weeks. These issues will be
clarified at the 'Learning Partner Welcome'.
Essential Criteria for Learning
Partners
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Computer literacy that
enables you to assist with internet research and formatting of
assignments;
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General research and
library skills;
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Readiness to work within
the values of the Catalyst Clemente Program
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The ability to develop a
rapport with students;
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Skills in encouraging
personal development in others;
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Excellent verbal
communication skills;
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Ability to interact and
deal sensitively with people form different backgrounds, and who
may be dealing with a number of issues including homelessness,
drug or alcohol addiction, and mental health problems;
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Ideally some experience of tertiary study.
Learning Partner Application
Form
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