Fathima Fazil

Family Inclusive Language and Literacy Support (FILLS) program tutor

Tell us about your volunteer role

I started volunteering a few months ago as a way to get to know my community, as everything here was new to me after moving to Australia recently. While searching for a job, I wanted to engage with the environment around me, and volunteering gave me the perfect opportunity. I currently volunteer at a few different community centres as a homework club tutor and an Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) tutor. In these roles, I support school students with their homework and assist migrants in improving their English skills, helping them navigate their new lives in Australia.

What difference does volunteering make in your life?

Volunteering has been a truly eye-opening experience for me. Working with migrants who are learning English and hearing their stories has given me a deeper appreciation for the opportunities I have had. Even though I come from a small developing country, Sri Lanka, I realise how fortunate I have been. Additionally, engaging with students from diverse cultural backgrounds at the homework club has been fascinating. Seeing how they interact, communicate, and navigate their education inspires me every day. It has given me a strong sense of purpose and belonging in my new community.

How do you believe your volunteer work has made a positive impact on the Maribyrnong community?

By helping students with their studies and supporting migrants in learning English, I am contributing to their confidence and ability to integrate into society. Education is a powerful tool, and I feel proud to play even a small part in empowering individuals to achieve their goals. Many of the students I work with come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and by offering academic and language support, I help bridge educational gaps and foster inclusivity within the Maribyrnong community.

In line with this year’s NVW theme of "Connecting Communities," how does your volunteering help foster a sense of connection, both for you and others?

Volunteering has not only connected me to the community but has also allowed me to witness the connections being built among students and migrants. At the homework club, I see students from different cultures coming together, learning from one another, and forming friendships. With the AMEP program, I watch migrants gain confidence in speaking English, enabling them to connect more easily with their surroundings. Personally, it has helped me integrate into my new home, meet incredible people, and feel a sense of belonging. Volunteering is a beautiful way to bring people together, regardless of background or language, and I am grateful to be part of this journey.

More information

To find out more about how you can participate as a FILLS volunteer, visit our Council volunteering page.