This post does not include bikinis and swimming trunks that surely inspire a worthy trip or a perfect excuse to hit the beach to attempt a new skill: surfing, or rock climbing gears attached to your bodies to conquer the climbing walls. But it DOES capture the atmosphere of enthusiasm in a meeting room where the Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support (VoRTCS) Interview and Information session took place two Sundays ago. With all ears and hearts wide open, the volunteers were prepared to receive the gist of it all from THIS MAN in the PICTURE BELOW:
Allow me to introduce the presenter of the day and manager of the VORTCS team – Mr Julian Evans, or Jules.
Do not be deceived by this solemn picture of him. Believe me, this British bloke has the most laid back and witty character that can absolutely make you drop your books or pens to just listen to his persuasive speech. His laid back character was consistently portrayed over the session as he would insist that we addressed him as Jules rather than Mr Evans. He started the session by sharing his philosophy of volunteering, quoting, “It is most important to have fun while you’re volunteering and working with your team”. His simple justification was that one should dwell in spirit of fun [and giving] in any voluntary work; otherwise one would not enjoy it, and loses sight of the purpose if the heart was not stirred. Well, something like that =P This drove away the tension in the air. Jules went on to enlighten us further on the expectations of being a refugee volunteer tutor. The majority, if not all, were positively swayed by Jules’ short and sweet presentation, resulting in a large number of sign-ups for this exciting voluntary work. He really sold the Refugee Tutoring Program to us.
All ears and eyes glued to Jules J
See! This black and white photo is a vivid proof that he literally got them hypnotised! @.@ Hee hee, in a positive way of course J
Forms were handed to every attendee before the group interviews commenced J
Only some paper work and submission of the required documents before the volunteers are well on their way to receive their Blue Cards and begin the journey as volunteer refugee tutors! J
MALAYSIA BOLEH ! woohoo!
Double WOOHOO for what we had for light refreshments after the session!
=D Nothing like these two pictures that do show our affection for food! (particularly karipap!)
To all volunteers who attended this information and interview session as well as VoRTCS training session 1 on 9th May 2011, the UQMSA committee and VoRTCS team would like to give you a big THANK YOU for showing a keen interest to be part of this volunteer program!
For more information, check out http://www.refugeetutoring.org
Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to email Jules - julian.evans@svdpqld.org.au
Get ready for this exciting part of your journey & keep the passion for people alive! It certainly will be a rewarding experience for you. So if you think this voluntary work is for you and you’re still up for the challenge, SEE YOU at the 2nd training session! ;)
Love & peace,
Jess J & UQMSA Committee
