Changemakers - Emil Kogan
13 August 2012 at 11:27 am
Emil Kogan, Co-Founder of Embrace Education, is profiled in Changemakers – a regular column which examines inspiring people and their careers in the Not for Profit sector.
Emil Kogan started up two NGOs at University: Embrace Education and Students Teaching English to the World. He has worked in publicity and marketing for a range of Not for Profits and NGOs in the Melbourne region, including The Big Issue, Hootville Communications and Jewish Aid Australia.
Embrace Education is a registered Not for Profit university-student run organisation that provides free services to disadvantaged high school students in Melbourne, Victoria. The program was started in late 2006 by a group of young Monash University students including Emil and obtained Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status in 2009.
They aim to support the ongoing education of disadvantaged high-school students, especially students from a recent migrant or refugee background. The main focus of the program is on providing students with free tutoring and mentoring from University student volunteers. This occurs through several programs including the Embrace “Homework Clubs”, “In-School Tutoring” and “Individual Tutoring.”
The 24-year-old Emil has also worked overseas in Manila, Philippines for Bahay Tuluyan, an NGO that works with children in need of special protection as part of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program.
What drew you to the Not for Profit sector?
The incredibly beautiful human beings who go out of their ways to heal others, their communities and the world.
How long have you been working in the Not for Profit sector?
It feels like too long some days, but I’ve been working in the sector since I was eighteen, so for six years.
What was your first job in the Not for Profit sector?
My first paid job was working as an intern at Hootville Communications. It was an excellent job with a very funny boss and it was a privilege to work with the organisations I did.
What is the best thing about working in the Not for Profit sector?
That you can make a difference with an individual, a community and the world around you despite the limited resources given to you no matter who you are and what background you come from.
I consider my greatest achievement to be……
Nothing. All have my achievements have been caused by the people I work with and the shared passion we all had.
Favourite saying …
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
