MWIA Empowered to Work Program Reaches out to Asylum Seekers & Refugees
Refugee Week 17-23 June
The Empowered to Work Program [EWP] is a Mary Ward International Australia [MWIA] funded project in partnership with the Asylum Resource Centre and the Jesuit Refugee Service. The EWP is all about helping refugees and people seeking asylum, learn the skills and knowledge required for successful entry into the Australian Workforce.
The EWP is but one of the cohesive programs operated by the House of Welcome that is dedicated to making the disenfranchised feel empowered and welcome, evolving into a one-stop centre for asylum seekers and refugees, providing ‘holistic support that nurtures hope, advocates for justice and promotes self-reliance, whilst acknowledging the dignity and the rights of each individual.’
The project is reliant on the goodwill of volunteers who work one-on-one with participants to overcome untold cultural, language and technological barriers. Volunteers work and assist on all levels, from answering phones to advising how to write a resume. Sr Libby Rogerson ibvm, a founding member of the House of Welcome (2000), describes the volunteers as a ‘treasured resource’.
The program provides pre-employment support, access to work experience opportunities, resume and cover letter writing, online job search, course and training referrals and interview skills. The critical expansion of the EWP has given the House of Welcome the opportunity to extend the service from pre-employment support through to direct job placement.
Since launching in mid-2017, 145 people have attended a consultation with Empowered to Work, with one in three people able to transition successfully into work, study or training. The program is held every Wednesday at the House of Welcome, 197 Trongate Granville NSW.
They are currently looking for businesses that can offer paid work placement opportunities; work experience, volunteers who have experience in recruitment, employment pathways and/or job search and writing skills. If you are able to assist, please contact: leonie.dyer@employmentproject.org.au and to read more about this MWIA Project go to http://www.mwia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017_DEC_Sustain.pdf
Words: Heather Kitson