From the Lab to the Homework Club: Alan Pemberton’s Unexpected Legacy

By Jenny Pham posted 26 days ago

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From the Lab to the Homework Club: Alan Pemberton’s Unexpected Legacy

When you think of a chemist, you might picture someone in a white coat, mixing colourful liquids in a lab. But Alan Pemberton’s story shows us that science—and kindness—can reach far beyond the lab bench. Now in his 80s, Alan’s journey is proof that you never really know how your skills might change someone’s life.

A Quiet Member with a Big Heart

Alan’s connection to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) was steady and meaningful, even if he wasn’t always in the spotlight at every event or on every email thread. For him, membership was less about frequent attendance and more about being part of a professional community that offered support, inspiration, and recognition throughout his career.

Alan valued the opportunities and encouragement that came from being a RACI member, and he carried that sense of belonging with him into every chapter of his work and volunteer life. When he decided to step down from his membership, he felt it was only right to share his story—a story that’s all about making a difference where it matters most.

"All has been good,” Alan says. “Some of your members have been an ongoing encouragement and inspiration for me over the years.”

Chemistry in the Real World

Alan’s career was all about applied chemistry—working in the chemical industry, creating cleaning products, and treating water. He describes his work as “entirely successful.” But what really sets Alan apart is what he did outside his job.

The Homework Club: Where Science Meets Hope

Between 2009 and 2013, Alan volunteered as a tutor at a place called Carewerx in Woodridge, south of Brisbane. It wasn’t a fancy lab or a high-tech classroom. It was a “Homework Club” for refugee kids and adults—people who had just arrived in Australia from countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar.

But here’s the thing: these students were thrown straight into Year 10, even if they’d missed years of school because of war or displacement. Imagine landing in a new country, not speaking the language well, and being handed algebra and calculus homework on day one.

“We had to start some kids on basic algebra and later, calculus, so we could get headway,” Alan remembers.

Real Impact, Real People

Alan wasn’t just teaching chemistry—he was teaching resilience. He was showing these students that someone believed in them, even when the odds were stacked against them. And sometimes, the results were incredible.

Think about that: from struggling with homework in a new country to becoming a science teacher back home. That’s the power of a little help and a lot of heart.

Passing the Torch

Alan’s story isn’t about awards or recognition. It’s about using what you know to lift others up. It’s about showing up, even if it’s just for a few hours a week, and making a difference that lasts a lifetime.

“I thought I would just mention this as a kind of feedback, carrying the RACI banner into this interesting place.”

What Can We Learn?

Alan’s journey is a reminder that your skills—whatever they are—can change someone’s world. You don’t have to wait until you’re a “real professional” or have a fancy title. You just have to care.

So, whether you’re studying your, just starting out your career, unemployed or at any other stage of your life, remember Alan’s story. Look for ways to create a positive impact on someone else’s life, even if it seems small. You might just inspire the next science teacher, engineer, or leader—someone who will remember your kindness long after the homework is done.

Thank you, Alan, for showing us what real impact looks like.

Inspired? Find your community group with the RACI. Join us and start making your own story today.

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