Volunteers use Meccano to reach students' hearts and minds

To a smaller extent, that is the goal of a scheme in the ACT, where a special program is using Meccano to help engage young minds at school – and perhaps inspire another to fly just as high. 

School Volunteers Project ACT is a group of volunteers who give up an hour a week to spend one-to-one time with students in activities such as literacy, numeracy and building with kits.

Bob Greeney leads the Meccano team, recruiting and training members to help in 35 schools around Canberra.

He said the members are brought at the request of the school to help boys and girls “who are often bright but need to improve their communication or social skills”.

“They're so bright they don't stop to think what you’re thinking about,” said Bob, 75. “They need to learn to communicate with everybody else and be sociable - and this (Meccano) is a way of doing it.”

A retired electrical engineer who spends most of his time at Kingsford Smith School and Macquarie Primary School, Bob said the program gives children a sense of pride and achievement. 

“They can see a result,” he said. “They start with a briefcase full of 650 pieces of Meccano and end up with a crane, robot, motor car or whatever.”

As well as learning patience and persistence, students improve their motor skills (think of the nuts and bolts), counting ability (all of the parts are numbered) and spatial awareness. They even learn how to read a diagram.

The mentor comes in when the student finds they can’t do it all on their own and needs to talk about it. 

"And then they suddenly realise that another kid in the same group is building something that looks the same but is not quite the same. So they talk too,” Bob said.

"By the time they finish building the model, which is about eight weeks, then they want to compete. It may have a little electric motor, so they want to race or lift something off the floor.

"And when they finish it they demonstrate it to the class or an assembly.

“Then they have to come back and take it all apart and put it back in the box. So they start the job and they finish the job.”

Bob, a grandfather, said parents and teachers often report that the children translate their new skills to other subjects. 

SVPACT president Nola Shoring said the organisation began in 2005, with 12 mentors volunteering their time in eight schools (the minimum commitment is one hour a week for 10 weeks).

“Today we gave 135 volunteers, mostly retirees, who are looking to give back to the community and like the opportunity to go into schools and work with children,” she said.

But more are needed: “We are seeking retirees, seniors, anyone who can make a commitment to be there for a child during school time for at least one hour per week. 

“The skills we value in our volunteers are patience, empathy and their willingness to share their life experience.”

For his efforts, Bob was recognised during 2018 ACT Children’s Week, receiving the inaugural Exceptional Older Person Award, which is given to an individual who has “shown outstanding commitment and generosity to the development of children”.

Bob is happy to talk to community groups and schools interested in the scheme. To find out more about SVPACT, visit svpact.org.au/contact-us or call 0432-842-550. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Applicants must have a Working with Vulnerable People card, complete an application form and nominate two verifiable referees.

Members of the management team meet and interview the applicant before a decision is made.

On acceptance, attendance at a mentor orientation seminar is mandatory.

Mentors help up to three children, depending on the school’s requirement. They are always in sight of the teacher or librarian.