About SVPACT

Quick facts

Did you know?

The School Volunteer Program ACT Incorporated (SVPACT) currently has over 100 volunteers,
Volunteering covers some 31 ACT schools;
The number of hours contributed by volunteers is around 150 hours per week;
All SVPACT volunteers are screened and attend an SVPACT orientation session;
Our volunteers include former and practising teachers, engineers, economists, tradesmen, homemakers, lawyers, and medical practitioners.

The School Volunteer Program in the ACT (SVPACT) was formally launched in October 2005 by HE the Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery and is modelled on the Western Australian program, which has operated since1991. At the launch, three groups providing a similar service were merged; the SVP of the Rotary Club of Canberra -Weston Creek, the SVP trial at Charnwood Primary School with St Barnabas Anglican Church, and the Probus Club of Weston Creek “STYLE” program.

SVPACT was established in partnership with the ACT Department of Education and Training and is supported by the ACT Branch of the Education Union, and Rotary. It is also grateful for a number of community sponsors who contribute financially to support its activities.

In December 2012, 115 volunteers were mentoring students in 28 primary and 3 secondary schools. Students have responded positively to their mentors, and mutual respect has developed between the volunteers and students.

The SVPACT committee and volunteers have received community recognition, including Children’s Week awards for excellence, TV and press coverage.

The committee consists of current and former principals, teachers and volunteers with many years experience in community service. The Committee organises regular training and networking opportunities for the SVPACT volunteers.