INTRODUCTION:
Preston Education and Community Support Association (PecsA+) was founded in April 2014 by a few education enthusiasts with a mission to embark on a new initiative for the Darebin Municipality. Supported by the Darebin City Council, we are a community education group that serves the immediate education needs of local school students and their families and provides assistance for exis
ting integration support services for the culturally diverse community of Darebin City. OUR SERVICES:
PecsA+’s educational and social support to local residents (mostly new arrivals and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds) include:
- Regular literacy and numeracy classes for remedial and advanced students, working one-on-one or in small groups with tutors, or studying independently with teaching assistance when required;
- Book club for primary school children, focusing on different cultures and values;
- Advice to newly-arrived families on school integration, with regular consultations, group information sessions, and individual support and advocacy if needed;
- Referrals to existing social support services; and
- Volunteering opportunities for teenagers and young adults to gain experience and confidence in a real work environment. OUR APPROACH:
Our vision is "education and social support for the community by the community members." We promote community education and enhance social and cultural connections by creating bonds between different CALD community groups. PecsA+ provides an environment where young children are able to learn about and develop respect for a diverse range of cultures. Our organisation has representatives from Somali, Chinese, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Italian, Polish and Macedonian ethnic backgrounds. The flexible framework allows PecsA+ to cater for the individual needs of each family from CALD and disadvantaged backgrounds in a safe community setting, building a strong sense of belonging. LOCATIONS:
Preston Library
266 Gower Street, Preston VIC 3072
Jindi Family and Community Centre
48 Breadalbane Avenue, Mernda VIC 3754
CONTACT US:
To enquire about using PecsA+’s services, please call 0452 067 603.
