• Keilor, Taylors Lakes, Sydenham Star
• St Albans, Deer Park, Caroline Springs Star
• Sunshine, Ardeer, Albion Star

By Belinda Nolan

9th March 2010 11:05:20 AM

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In print … Greg Donahue, back, gives students Michaela, left, Austin and Faiso a lesson in fingerprinting. 43852 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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THE art of fingerprinting may not be on every school’s curriculum but Greg Donahue’s classroom is a little different to most.

Although he’s never trained to be a teacher, that has not stopped Mr Donahue from passing his wisdom to others.

A former police officer, the 50-year-old Montmorency man spends two days every week at Sunshine Harvester Primary School, as a volunteer for the Ardoch Youth Foundation.

Here, he works with students to help them communicate, socialise and regulate their emotions.

While most teachers instruct their pupils in subjects like maths and literacy, Mr Donahue’s students are treated to forensic science and sport.

“I show them how to do things like fingerprinting,” Mr Donahue said.

“When they see the fingerprints appear on the windows like magic, their jaws literally drop and suddenly they’re enjoying what they’re learning.”

A former detective from the Child Exploitation Unit, Mr Donahue witnessed hundreds of children victimised by violent and sexual abuse.

“It was a horrible place to work but at the same time it was very rewarding,” Mr Donahue said.

“That was really what inspired me to get involved with the Ardoch Foundation because I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.”

Although he lives in the northern suburbs, Mr Donahue decided to volunteer in the West because of higher levels of disadvantage.

The Ardoch Youth Foundation is currently looking for volunteers to help at schools in the West. The organisation is holding a training day on 30 March for anyone interested in joining.

The session will be held at Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine.

For more information call 9091 8208.

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