Making a Lasting Impact at Filos Community Services

For the past several years, Victoria Junior College (VJC) has partnered with Filos to provide tutoring and other volunteering and collaboration opportunities, allowing students to engage with and make a positive impact on the community. Among the many volunteers from VJC, Lazary and Haley stand out not only for their dedication but for the meaningful relationships they have built with the children they tutor. Their stories are a testament to the power of youth giving back and the lasting impact of Filos' long-standing partnership with VJC.

Lazary first joined Filos as a tutor through the VJC Interact Club, where he was immediately drawn to the opportunity to work with younger children. Although he paused his volunteer work during his A-level preparations, he returned two years later after completing his National Service. 

“Volunteering at Filos gives me a sense of purpose,” Lazary shares. “The students come from various backgrounds, and I can see how much they value the support. It feels rewarding to know that even a little bit of my time can make a difference. The kids I tutor are not just here to improve their grades,” Lazary explains, “they need someone they can trust, someone who genuinely cares. It’s about being patient, understanding, and showing empathy. Sometimes, the most important lessons are about building confidence and rapport.”

Haley, another passionate volunteer from VJC, shares similar sentiments. Haley first became involved with Filos through the Interact Club and has been tutoring since her trial session, where she met her current student. The bond between them grew quickly, and Haley now cherishes their time together. “I was so touched when my student gave me a card that said, ‘Best Teacher Ever,’” Haley recalls with a smile. “She said, ‘I hope you can teach me forever.’ Moments like these remind me why tutoring is so meaningful.”

Through her experience, Haley has learned to manage her time more effectively, balancing her rigorous school schedule with her commitment to her students. “The biggest challenge is staying consistent with my tutoring sessions, especially with everything else on my plate,” Haley says. “But I’ve realised that showing up for my student each week is so important for her growth.” 

Both volunteers agree that the partnership between VJC and Filos is special. “Without Filos, many of us would never have had the opportunity to connect with students in such a meaningful way,” says Lazary. “I hope the partnership continues to grow, extending beyond the Interact Club, so even more Victorians can experience the joy of giving back.”

Mr. Teo Gene-En, Subject Head (Literature) at VJC, affirms the profound impact Filos has had on his students. “Filos’ workshops and collaborations have broadened our students’ understanding of social service and fostered empathy. We are immensely thankful for Filos’ dedication in nurturing socially conscious leaders.”

The partnership between Filos and VJC extends beyond community service, providing students with meaningful opportunities to give back while shaping the next generation of leaders. As Lazary and Haley’s stories show, their work as tutors has created lasting connections with their students. Filos looks forward to continuing this partnership, fostering ongoing impact in the community.

Keen to volunteer with children and youth? Check out the volunteering opportunities at Filos’ Volunteer Portal at https://bit.ly/FilosVMS to start your journey today!