Our work to transform children’s lives would not be possible without the incredible support of those who volunteer their time, talents and energy for World Vision Australia.

On International Volunteer Day, 5 December, we thank and salute all our volunteers – our enthusiastic Vision Generation  members, those who support us in our national and state offices and many, many others.

We also acknowledge all those who volunteer for KIDS HOPE AUS.,  World Vision’s mentoring program for Australian primary school children who need extra support.

For one hour each week KIDS HOPE AUS. volunteers from local churches around Australia mentor children in their local primary school, helping with academics and to improve the children’s self-esteem and confidence.

Marion Macaulay, a KIDS HOPE AUS. Coordinator from Brisbane, shared the following reflection with us on the impact of the program on eight-year-old Laura* and the hope it can bring to children’s lives.

---

Sunshine behind the clouds

Laura’s world has been torn apart by drugs and violence, with both parents currently serving time in prison. Laura has learned that people of significance in her life will let her down; they are not to be trusted.

I started mentoring Laura this year and we decided to begin a painting together. Armed with paints in a myriad of vibrant colours, brushes, palette and canvas, we set to work.

On commencing the background, Laura reached for the black and white paints and mixed a shade of dull grey and painted the entire canvas with this colour.

Then she layered dark grey storm clouds with rain and ice falling from the sky over her background. Next, she drew people standing in the deluge; no protection and perhaps no ability to escape the storm; a picture of hopelessness.

At this point Laura said that she needed a break from the project … and for a term we pursued other activities together.

Recently she asked if we could go back to the painting again. Laura wanted to draw me in her picture. Before drawing me on the canvas, Laura said “I’m going to draw you an umbrella and I’m going to put you next to me”. “That’s great,” I said, “that means you can share my umbrella with me”.

We are nearing the end of this project now and I asked Laura if she would like to add a little bit of gold foil somewhere on the canvas. Anywhere she liked. After some thought, Laura asked if she could put the gold on the clouds.

When I asked her why she chose the clouds, she said, “Because I think that the sun is behind the clouds and maybe the sun will come out for me one day”.
 
Laura has moved from despair to a glimmer of hope, all played out on a painting canvas. She has been able to communicate her feelings, and tentatively place someone who she now trusts next to her, someone who she perceives offers her some protection from the storms of her life….her KIDS HOPE mentor.
 

*Name has been changed.