The Inspire Peer Mentoring Program seeks to increase school retention rates in Adelaide's southern suburbs and develop a stronger learning culture.

Flinders students provide mentoring support to school students as part of our Southern Program to Increase Participation in Education (SPIPE) . Funded through the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) Mentor Marketplace Program, Inspire is a partnership between the university, FaCSIA and individual schools and community organisations in the southern Adelaide region.

What it means for mentors

Mentors gain skills in facilitation, teamwork and interpersonal communication. They acquire valuable volunteer community experience to enhance their CV while assisting students at risk of disengagement along their pathway to education and employment.

The project coordinator works with partners to develop projects and match mentors who are trained in the skills required for successful mentoring and capacity building.

Around 120 mentors are recruited and trained for placement each semester.

Program partners

The program can partner with schools and alternative education programs in the Marion and Onkaparinga local government districts. A steering committee comprised of representatives from schools, mentors, community members, alternative education providers and the project coordinator manages the project. The coordinator recruits, supports and trains mentors, liaises with partners, promotes the program and oversees project management and evaluation.

Thirty schools and other partners are engaged and funding has been secured for the program until July 2009.

Outcomes

Outcomes reported include increased school attendance rates and prospective retention as well as a new appreciation by students of the positive link between active engagement and learning.