Meet Kimberley, Learning for Life Coordinator

We’d love you to meet one of our amazing Learning for Life Coordinators, Kimberley.

In her role as a Learning for Life Coordinator, Kimberley provides intensive support to both students on the Learning for Life program, and their families.  Kimberley connects her students to learning opportunities, and provides them with emotional support and encouragement. Having someone like Kimberley there to listen and help can make a world of difference to a student. 

Kimberley shares with us what it’s like to be a Learning for Life Coordinator.

Q: What are some of the challenges that you see students facing in your community?
A: I find that the digital divide is one of the greatest challenges facing us today as we have greater need to access to digital devices and the internet. Unfortunately, many students miss out and can fall behind by not having access to these tools. Digital devices and access to the internet are vital for students so they can participate in programs, and complete their assignments and research. 

Q: What difference do you see first-hand that The Smith Family’s programs make?
A: Learning Club has a really strong impact on families.  Learning Clubs are safe and supportive out-of-school learning environments. Students can participate in activities that develop their academic skills – some clubs provide homework support, tutoring or help with a specific skill set. When students attend Learning Club, their families can see that their children are thriving, their confidence is growing, and that they're mixing in with other children from different schools. 

I've had multiple families come to me to say what a wonderful impact the Learning Club has had on their children when it comes to their confidence. It's just amazing to see how students feel it is a place that accepts them for who they are.

Learning Clubs are really important because there's the academic side where they get help with homework or an area they are struggling with, and there is also a social and emotional side though the connections they make and the feeling of support. The clubs provide both sides to students.

Q: Why do you think that education is important? 
A: Education is really important for students to be able to be the best people that they can be, and to break the cycle of disadvantage. It's the key, it's the tool that we need for the future.

I think education has a huge impact in the lives of kids. And I believe that the earlier the intervention, the better.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a Learning for Life Coordinator?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is that I am able to assist students’ education through their participation in The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs. I feel very humbled to see those students grow and develop through these programs and come out the other end with such wonderful prospects when it comes to furthering their education.
 
Another very rewarding part of my role is the drawings that I have received from the students. They are absolutely amazing. Sometimes I don't even realize what a difference I am making until I receive a drawing saying, "You're the best!" or something like that. I feel so proud to be able to make a difference in these young students' lives.