GOING 'back to school' is one of the rewarding experiences enjoyed by some retirees who find themselves with time on their hands.

For almost six years, Altona resident Carmel Homewood, who retired in 2004, has been a volunteer with Timehelp, a community program that connects retirees to young students. "It's wonderful and something I really enjoy doing," Ms Homewood said.

The mother of two spent 18 years working for Dow Chemical in Altona. In her final month with the company she noticed an advertisement calling for volunteers.

"It was in the Altona Laverton Mail and I thought it sounded very interesting," she said. "I found out what they needed and the rest is history."

Ms Homewood volunteers at three schools in Hobsons Bay to work with refugee children.

"On Monday afternoons, I go to Laverton P-12, where I help children from Burma in grades 4-6.

"They're very good at core subjects, such as maths and science, but struggle with English and in general conversation."

Ms Homewood works on these areas using short stories and puzzles to engage children in conversation.

"They really are lovely kids and very receptive to learning."

On Tuesdays, she helps out in the Altona Green Primary School kitchen. "They have a Stephanie Alexander garden and I help the chef prepare meals from the fresh produce," she said.

"We make all types of food and the kids are very enthusiastic about cooking but are reluctant to eat anything we prepare."

The idea is to familiarise the children with food preparation, eating and finally cleaning up, which Ms Homewood says can be a problem.

"Some of the kids have never held a tea towel and when it comes to cleaning up, some are masters of getting out of doing it."

Ms Homewood's week ends at Bayside Secondary College, where she works with refugees from Ghana, Lebanon and China, whose second language is English. "This group is older, in their teens. Although they were taught to read, they can't speak English. But they are eager to learn because their parents rely on them."

A community information session for retirees will be held from 10-11.30am on March 19 at Hobsons Bay Council, Civic Parade Altona.

Details: call 52773411 or visit Timehelp here.