Kids Hope

The Door of Hope is proud to be partnering with World Vision and Albert State School to run the Kids Hope Aus programme. 

KIDS HOPE AUS. is a World Vision ministry aimed at creating a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable Australian children and their families. It is a mentoring ministry built on a long-term partnership between local churches and primary schools, where a caring adult from the church spends one hour each week with a child.

The importance of positive human relationships in children's lives cannot be overstated. They are the essential building blocks for healthy development. And yet, many Australian children lack significant one-to-one relationships with a caring adult, other than their parents.

Early intervention into these children's lives, especially those considered vulnerable and at risk, will significantly improve their life chances in education, health, social competence and wellbeing.

At schools, an increasing amount of teaching time is being used to address the welfare needs of vulnerable children. Dedicated teachers are finding it difficult to give these children the time and individual attention they need.

KIDS HOPE AUS.

• Focuses on primary school children because these are the formative years in a child’s life. This is the time when self-esteem and values are learned and critical academic skills are acquired
• Assists churches to recruit, screen, train, match, supervise and evaluate their members for ongoing mentoring relationships with children who need additional support
• Churches recruit and train mentors, who will spend one hour every week with a child at the school
• Churches identify a prayer partner to support each mentor in their mentoring relationship

The church's responsibilities include appointing a paid coordinator (salary or honorarium) to recruit, screen, train and supervise mentors. World Vision will provide assistance in the process.

Mentors are thoroughly trained with the support of World Vision to understand their role in building caring relationships with children that will enhance their ability to learn and build resilience. Mentors are also required to commit to mentoring a child for at least one academic year. Many are usually prepared to continue beyond the 12 months.