What is the Meli Children’s Village?
The Foster Care Children’s Village has been created to establish a literal ‘village’ or support network for Meli’s Out of Home Care families. It’s an opportunity for us to recruit dedicated volunteers who are keen to support children and their carers in a range of practical ways. It might be providing transport to school or daycare, being a mentor and friend, assisting with childcare, or accompanying children to extracurricular activities. It’s a wonderful way to support your community and bring joy to a child living in foster care.
We are looking for people who:
- have some experience with children
- are warm, flexible and sensitive in their approach to children, having awareness of the vulnerability of the children they will be working with
- are able to build a rapport and communicate with children at their developmental level
- able to commit to volunteering for two to three hours each fortnight for at least six months
- have a driver’s license or can use public transport to implement their tasks
- are willing to obtain (police check national & international, if applicable), WWC and other mandatory checks as required
If you have thought about being a foster carer but now isn’t the right time, consider becoming a Villager.
The Foster Care Children’s Village Project is a two-year pilot program funded through the Anthony Costa Foundation.
How do I become a ‘Villager’?
To express your interest in becoming a Children’s Villager, please provide a cover letter and your resume via email to studentsandvolunteers@meli.org.au
Watch the video to learn more about our Foster Care Children’s Village.