Aiding refugee employment
AWARE of the benefits of English lessons and skills training for new migrants, Jewish Aid Australia (JAA) has launched an initiative to help Sudanese refugees improve their chances of securing long-term employment.
AWARE of the benefits of English lessons and skills training for new migrants, Jewish Aid Australia (JAA) has launched an initiative to help Sudanese refugees improve their chances of securing long-term employment.
Called the Sudanese Employment and Empowerment Division, or SEED, the initiative pairs business mentors with Sudanese refugees.
“Each time a member of the community finds work, he or she becomes a role model within their community, inspiring so many more and strengthening the overall infrastructure of the community,” JAA chief executive Gary Samowitz said.
“Let’s help break the cycle of poverty and give African refugees a chance to enter the workforce on an equal footing with their fellow Australians.”
Working directly with refugees from Darfur and the Nuba Mountain communities, the SEED initiative has been fully funded by a $10,000 grant from the Sidney Myer Fund, with courses to be run in conjunction with The Malka Group.
The program will begin with Certificate III English as a Second Language (Employment) and stream into warehousing, hospitality, aged care or child care. A certificate can then be completed in these areas.
According to a JAA statement on the program, resources, training and the necessary skills help African refugees to be active, contributing members of Australian society. “Through training, work experience and mentoring, refugees can master the English language, learn pre-employment skills and understand Australian workplace expectations to gain long-term employment.”
DALIA SABLE
comments