A FORMER AFL umpire who has taken on a role mentoring a South Sudanese refugee says the experience has taught him more than he could have imagined.
Andrew Coates, 46, spent more than 15 years umpiring some of Australia’s most elite athletes. But two and a half years ago, the East Keilor resident felt there was something missing from his life. “I read this article in a newspaper about volunteering with refugees,” he says.
He decided to become a volunteer mentor with the Helping Hand Project, a community- organisation linking young refugees with mentors to help them realise their dreams.
What Mr Coates didn’t anticipate was how much his mentoree, Garang Anyang, 16, would help him. The Maribyrnong Secondary College student lives in StAlbans after fleeing war-torn South Sudan four years ago.
“Garang teaches me about life in Africa, while I teach him about our culture,” Mr Coates says. “He’s so eager to learn and just soaks everything up. It’s really rewarding to see him grow in confidence and maturity as he settles in to Australia.” The feeling is mutual for Garang, who says Mr Coates is his mentor and his friend. “He encouraged me to take up soccer and took me to StAlbans Soccer Club to introduce me to the coach and players.”
The Helping Hand Project is looking for new mentors. An information evening will be held at Flemington’s Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre on August 7 at 7pm.
Details: 80603440 or helpinghandproject.org.au -Melissa Cunningham
