Learning Beyond the Bell Forum 2025: Bridging the Gap
The 2025 Learning Beyond the Bell Forum, this year themed “Bridging the Gap: the impact of Learning Support Programs”, gathered students, volunteers, educators, program co-ordinators, community leaders, philanthropists, and government representatives to reflect on the power of Learning Support Programs (LSPs) in Victoria.
The impact of Learning Support Programs
Learning Support Programs are community-driven programs that help students—especially those from refugee and migrant backgrounds—thrive in school and beyond. Across Victoria, 187 programs support more than 5,600 students annually, guided by nearly 1,500 volunteers, whose contributions are valued at over $4.8 million each year.
MC Abeer Fatima, youth advocate, opened the event highlighting the importance of representation:
“Students have opportunities to see themselves in places they never thought of, and take subjects they may have never considered.”
The forum began with opening remarks from CMY’s CEO, Carmel Guerra, before introducing Ms Nina Taylor, Parliamentary Secretary for Education. Carmel Guerra OAM (CMY CEO) emphasised partnerships and social cohesion:
“The programs being delivered now are the solution to many trending issues we see among young people today.”
Nina Taylor MP (Parliamentary Secretary for Education) affirmed the government’s recognition of LSPs with the belief that all students have the right to succeed in school and in life. This simple vision depends on a complex ecosystem and requires a are committed and sustainable sector.
Across discussions, three key themes emerged: the need for sustainable funding, the systemic benefits of Learning Support Programs, and the benefit to the community. The first panel of the day featured the Learning Support Sector Advisory Group, with Brittany from Cultura, Nic from Kensington Neighbourhood House, Robert from St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, and Alfia as a youth voice representative, with discussions facilitated by Michaela from CMY.
Nic reflected on the strain of small grants and administrative load, noting that
“community organisations are stronger when working towards a common goal and can more effectively make change.”
Through storytelling and lived experience, the forum spotlighted the difference these programs make through a reflection speech by Arozoo Rahimi, and two videos featuring Aleyna Ozsoy, student alumni and tutor at Banksia Gardens Community Services and Cultura’s Family After School Support Program. You can view these videos here.
A second panel with Ms Nina Taylor, Carmel Guerra, Arozoo Rahimi, Sally Reid from the Reid Malley Foundation and Sukart Alex from Stand Out Youth Empowerment shared different perspectives on the impact of Learning Support programs.
Speakers highlighted that while the infrastructure exists—particularly through the Homework Club Partnership Fund—available funding is insufficient. Since 2015, around $3 million has been granted through philanthropic channels, yet demand has far outstripped supply, forcing some programs to close.
“Programs starting and closing due to lack of funding adds to wastage,” noted Sally Reid (Reid Malley Foundation). “We need to leverage existing programs, adopt service offerings where needed, and encourage cooperation rather than competition.”
Sally Reid called LSPs “the unsung heroes” that improve accessibility, prevent issues like family breakdown and poor mental health, and strengthen employment and education outcomes.
Rob Tremlett (St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria) pointed to increasing demand:
“The breadth of focus in our programs is representative of the sector more broadly—we are seeing a rise in demand for LSPs.”
Arozoo Rahimi, youth voice, shared how participation in LSPs can be transformative:
“It’s not just growth in results, but in confidence. It was a turning point in my educational journey and gave me the courage to take on new opportunities.”
The forum closed with thanks to the Victorian Department of Education, along with philanthropic partners including the Australian Communities Foundation, Reid Malley Foundation, Stan Wills Trust, and the many donors to the Homework Club Partnership Fund. Their collective investment continues to enable vital learning opportunities for young people who need them most.
A Collective Impact Advocacy workshop from Sarah at For Purpose followed the forum, underscoring the way forward: stronger school partnerships, multi-year funding commitments, consistent sector-wide messaging, and creative engagement of tertiary students as volunteers and mentors.
What’s next for the Learning Support Sector?
The message from the sector was clear: multi-year, stable investment is essential—not just for the educational outcomes of young people, but for broader community wellbeing.
Victoria’s education system needs a dedicated funding program that genuinely sustains the LSP sector. CMY recommends a scaled-up version of the existing Homework Club Partnership Fund (HCPF), alongside increased investment in LBB, to support this expansion.
To ensure stability and sustainability, CMY and the Learning Support Sector Advisory Group recommend a minimum of $60,000 in annual funding per program – an amount essential for delivering consistent and impactful support to students.
The 2025 Learning Beyond the Bell Forum reinforced that LSPs are more than after-school programs: they are bridges to opportunity, belonging, and resilience. With stable, long-term funding, they will continue to close educational gaps, relieve pressure on schools, and strengthen communities across Victoria.
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