A connection fostering support and respect

Every Thursday after school for almost a decade, a group of Brisbane Grammar School students have walked to Kelvin Grove to meet and tutor children from local primary schools as part of an initiative known as the Homework Club. Most of the children are migrants or refugees who speak English as their second language.

BGS Old Boy Omar Shinwarie ’19, one of six siblings, was a new arrival from Afghanistan when he began attending the Homework Club. Offering much more than academic support, the club breaks down cultural and social barriers.

“I remember the bond you form with the BGS senior students,” Omar said. “They helped me greatly in the academic field, but the students were not only there as tutors but also friends. Having them there to talk to really boosted my confidence.”

“On some afternoons, usually towards the end of term, they would organise football games and picnics, and it was these little things that really made the Homework Club stand out.”

His father, Dr Ataullah Shinwarie, said he was grateful the Homework Club existed when his family moved to Australia. “It provides an environment based on mutual respect, where children feel safe to learn about cultural values and differences while improving their language and academic results,” he said.

“The program changes children’s perceptions and creates a positive example that they can follow, helping and respecting other people from diverse backgrounds and ultimately preparing them to contribute to peace and tolerance.”

It was through the Homework Club that Omar was indentified to receive a needs-based bursary to attend Brisbane Grammar School. “At the time, it didn't really sink in, but the more I think about it, the more I realise how fortunate and lucky I was,” he said. “I am extremely grateful.”

As a student at BGS, Omar joined the Homework Club as a volunteer to give back by supporting students like his younger self. “It was an amazing experience to be able to help students, whose shoes I was once in. I could really relate to their struggles, and received satisfaction from being able to offer any type of help.”

“The facilities, the environment and opportunities BGS provided allowed me to really flourish as a student. The bursary had a massive impact on me, my family and where I am now. In the future, I hope I am able to give back because I truly understand how life-changing such a bursary can be.”

Omar is studying medicine at Bond University.