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A Morning a Week That Changed a Life: Michael and Jamal’s* Story
In 2018, Michael had just relocated to country Victoria with his wife for what was meant to be a temporary 12-month stay. A primary school teacher by background and a digital wellbeing educator by trade, Michael found himself with some extra time on his hands as he launched a new business. Wanting to use that time meaningfully, he turned to the local council website in search of volunteer opportunities. That’s where he discovered Mercy Works Connect and unknowingly, the start of a life-changing journey.
“I loved the idea of supporting a young person in a school setting,” Michael recalls. “It really resonated with me as an educator, and it was a way I could give back to the community in a very personal way.”
Michael was matched with Jamal, a bright, kind-hearted prep student whose family had migrated to Australia from South Sudan. Though born in Australia, Jamal faced significant challenges with reading and writing, and had been identified by his school as a student who would benefit from one-on-one support. Michael began visiting the school once a week to spend the morning with him.
That was six years ago. And despite moving cities twice, first to Melbourne and then to Sydney, Michael never stopped connecting with Jamal.
“Volunteering with Mercy Works Connect has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done,” he says. “During the pandemic, the school helped facilitate weekly video calls so we could keep our sessions going. That continuity has made all the difference.”
Each weekly visit is structured around Jamal’s needs, both academic and emotional. Michael arrives at 8:50am, has a quick check-in with the teacher to understand what Jamal is working on, and then spends the next two hours together chatting, reading, writing, playing games, and helping Jamal stay engaged with his learning.
“We always start with a conversation,” says Michael. “How was his week? What were the highs and lows? Then we dive into whatever learning task he needs support with — reading, writing, sometimes maths. And we always make time for a brain break, usually kicking a soccer ball or shooting hoops. It’s about building trust as much as it is about literacy.”
That trust has paid off. Now in Grade 6, Jamal’s reading and writing have improved significantly, but more than that, his self-belief has grown.
“When we started, Jamal struggled to see himself as a capable learner,” Michael explains. “But over time, we’ve worked on building his confidence in the classroom, in friendships, and in how he carries himself. We talk a lot about problem-solving and navigating challenges. It’s been amazing to see that transformation.”
One of Michael’s proudest moments came recently when Jamal was preparing to deliver a leadership speech to his peers and teachers – something that would have been unthinkable just a few years earlier.
“We spent that morning practising his speech together,” Michael smiles. “He was nervous, but he did it. That was such a huge milestone, and it reminded me how powerful consistent encouragement can be.”
Jamal’s teachers have also acknowledged the difference that this one-on-one time has made. While the school offers its own small-group literacy interventions, the personalised and sustained support Michael provides through Mercy Works Connect adds a deeper layer of care.
It’s not just Jamal who’s benefited. Michael says the experience has impacted him just as deeply.
“I’ve learned so much from this journey… about patience, commitment, and how powerful showing up can be,” he says. “Volunteering doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. One morning a week can change someone’s life. It’s certainly changed mine.”
Now celebrating its 25th year, Mercy Works continues to connect volunteers like Michael with young people who need encouragement, support, and belief. Through programs like Mercy Works Connect and MPower, the organisation is helping vulnerable learners across Australia find their footing, their voice, and their potential.
For anyone considering volunteering, Michael offers simple advice: “Just start. You never know the difference one person can make — and the connection you’ll build could stay with you for a lifetime.”
*Names changed to protect identities.
