Participants at the “Every Child Has a Culture” forum in Bankstown recently.
The forum was organised to assist foster care agencies and their caseworkers to better understand and respond to the cultural needs of children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) in out-of-home care in NSW, with a particular focus on permanency planning.
SSI Executive Manager, Families and Inclusion, Stephen O’Neill, said that the maintenance of a child’s cultural background while in out-of-home care was critical to their sense of belonging and their development.
SSI Multicultural Foster Care — an accredited foster care agency specialising in placing children of a CALD background with foster carers of the same background where possible — has an innovative cultural care model, intrinsic to how the service works with foster carers, birth families and children in care.
“SSI is leading the conversation about ways to improve and expand caseworker thinking and responsiveness, and to improve the ways we connect with and understand the needs of children in care,” Mr O’Neill said.
The forum was organised by SSI, NSW Family and Community Services (FACS), the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies, Connecting Carers and Stretch-a-Family.
Penny Hood, Director of Innovation, Co-Design and Implementation, with FACS, led an interactive presentation on the new Care and Cultural Care template; a collaborative project between the department, NGOs and the Children’s Court, which was designed to ensure that culture is at the forefront for children in care.
“Mandating cultural planning in the Care Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from multicultural backgrounds is one way that the sector can enhance support of a child’s cultural identity and further their sense of belonging to family and community,” Ms Hood said.
The challenges and complexities of casework with children from CALD backgrounds and their foster carers was highlighted, but there were many case studies and experiences shared, including the importance of Life Story Work (LSW), working with bilingual and bicultural support staff and collaborating with CALD community organisations and leaders, to assist in developing strategies to overcome those challenges.
An emotional tribute was made to SSI bilingual caseworker Samia Hawat, who passed away in December 2015. Ms Hawat’s Life Story Work was exceptional and she employed strategies including the use of cooking, apps and artwork to achieve significant connections and progress with children in care and with their birth parents. The tribute included moving testimonials from children and carers that she had supported.
More than 70 participants from a range of services within the out-of-home care sector attended the forum to hear from the Children’s’ Court Registrar and Clinic Assessor, and staff from SSI and other foster care agencies.
The young refugee is, however, one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a doctor after participating in an ongoing series of workshops designed to help new arrivals find the best pathway back to their professional or education field of choice.
More than two dozen refugees participated in the most recent session in Fairfield, where TAFE South West Sydney Institute educators delivered information about the vocational and tertiary educational pathways available to them in Australia.
The workshop, which was a collaboration between SSI and CORE Community Services, also informed participants about the tools for assessing their current qualifications and experience against Australian standards, and showed them how to use that information to identify their skills or knowledge gaps.
SSI Manager Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) Yamamah Agha said the workshops would support skilled refugees to find meaningful employment in Australia that aligns with their skills and expertise.
“Refugees bring so many skills to Australia, but the complexity of having those skills recognised in Australia can often lead to underemployment,” Ms Agha said.
“Meaningful employment plays a large part in the successful settlement of refugees in terms of social and economic independence, and these workshops will help new arrivals achieve their full potential in Australia while also supporting the Australian labour market.”
Two other new arrivals who participated in the most recent workshop, Rita Nader and Samer Saadeh, said they left with information that would help them with their goal of resuming their work as engineers.
On arrival in Australia, the couple were presented with multiple options for getting their past experience and qualifications recognised and were now equipped with information to navigate Australia’s unfamiliar education system.
Ms Agha also made a special mention of the valuable case management support that new arrivals receive in the first 6–12 months of arriving in Australia, noting that it helps newly arrived refugees to prepare for the local jobs market.
New arrivals receive support with English language skills and are connected with job searching tools to help them to find work opportunities in Australia. They also receive support with resume writing and interviewing techniques and can contact their case manager for feedback.
CORE Community Services and SSI plan to offer the workshop on an ongoing basis to new arrivals like Mr Al Zanad, who left the session with information on a TAFE course that will help him fast track his return to university to complete his medical studies.
Humanitarian Settlement Services
SSI Community Hubs helped organise and launch the community garden.
Community Hubs is a national program that supports migrant and refugee parents and children as they navigate the education system. It builds parenting and family skills and resources, and promotes links between families and local services and networks.
SSI is the designated support agency for Community Hubs in NSW.
Ms Mehmedali worked with Bunnings Warehouse to source soil to establish the community garden.
She also collaborated with Conservation Volunteers, Australasia’s leading practical conservation organisation, which helps volunteers plant trees, perform environmental surveys and clean up rubbish.
Volunteers from Nestlé also participated and are keen to build an ongoing and sustainable relationship with Community Hubs and support them within local government areas.
The volunteers did most of the manual labour for the launch, moving soil from a large mound to the garden beds, erecting remaining garden beds and helping Bunnings staff and the children with their planting.
Attending the launch along with Bunnings and Conservation Volunteers were Lee Castledine from Blacktown City Library, the teaching staff, parents and children from the school’s Transition/Playgroup classes, and Dynamic Bee children — students involved in extra-curricular activities — who had been involved in gardening at the school in the previous semester.
School Principal, Mrs Carmen Cefai, addressed the attendees before inviting Ms Mehmedali and two children from the Dynamic Bee group to officially open the Community Garden.
Children flocked through the gate and got straight into the garden beds. Before long, they were called to join Ms Castledine from the library for story time, beautifully set up in the Friendship Garden.
The children, some with their families, sat along the benches and eagerly listened to Ms Castledine provide an interactive telling of ‘The Little Red Hen’, raising ideas of collaborative work for a common goal — as important for the children as it was for the families who attended to understand the significance of a Community Garden.
After the story the children were invited to assist Kylie and Joseph from Bunnings to propagate seedlings. In addition to the soil, Bunnings provided many plants, propagating kits and gloves for the children.
Fathers in attendance had an in-depth chat with Christa Huyn, a student from the Australian College of Applied Psychology who was working within the Hubs, about how they could become more involved with the Community Garden and register for an allotment.
Some of the mothers, who had only met each other in passing, exchanged details so they could remain in contact. That epitomised the nature of the day and demonstrated how families could come together to create a community within the school community.
Ms Mehmedali said it was lovely to see how those who attended were engaging on a meaningful level.
Volunteers, children and families were treated to lunch for their efforts, with thanks to SSI, Community Hubs and Ms Mehmedali’s cooking skills. Goody bags for the children included many generous donations from Bunnings and brochures from local community services.
Held at SSI head office in Ashfield, the meeting was an opportunity to celebrate past term achievements and share ideas and plans for the future.
The Community Hubs program is a national program working with local communities and governments to support refugees and new migrants as they achieve independence and become active community members.
There are Hubs in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. In NSW, where SSI is the designated support agency for Community Hubs, Hubs are located at primary schools in Parramatta, Bankstown and Blacktown local government areas.
Each Community Hub has been issued with a sign to place at its school gate to identify that school as a “Community Hub” school.
At the July meeting, Hub leaders were joined by social work students and Hub leaders from Queensland and the National Community Hubs team from Victoria.
The Conference will be held on November 3 and 4, 2016, at Parkroyal Parramatta, Sydney.
Up to three participants will be selected for the Program. They will be supported by representatives from FECCA and SSI to navigate the Conference sessions and explore issues of interest, discuss their emerging ideas with experienced actors in the sector, network with inspirational women, and establish connections for the future.
At the closing session of the conference, the participants will share their insights on the key topics explored throughout the two-day event, their individual learnings, and how they will translate that knowledge into their future endeavours.
Expressions of interest are sought from women, aged 18 to 30, who came to Australia as refugees. We particularly encourage applications from young women who are keen to engage with the multicultural and settlement sectors, and who are otherwise unable to attend the Conference due to financial reasons.
Please submit a maximum of 300 words, or 3-minute video expression of interest, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the Program, how you would benefit from participating, and how you would apply the experience in your future activities.
Don’t forget to include your travel requirements in the application.
All expressions of interest must be submitted by 5pm, Wednesday, 10 August, AEST, to info@nmwc2016.com.
To submit use the subject line: Young Refugee Women Scholarship Program Expression of Interest. If you have any questions or comments, please contact FECCA Communications Advisor Lavanya Kala at lavanya@fecca.org.au.
“When I arrived, it was amazing – looking around, seeing all the nice buildings. Especially when the flight landed, I saw the water, it was daytime, and it was a terrific feeling,” he said. “I will never forget the face of the guy who picked me up from the airport.”
Life has come full circle for Mr Bujairami, who now heads the team at Settlement Services International (SSI) that welcomes refugees at the airport and introduces them to their new home.
“When I first started as HSS Reception Team Leader two years ago, it was an amazing feeling knowing people would remember my face for a long, long time – for as long as they are in Australia – because I’ve been here six years now and I remember the guy’s face who met me,” he said.
“I remember the way he welcomed me; how polite and lovely he was; how he made me feel welcome; and I feel I do this for new arrivals now too.”
After greeting refugees at the airport, Mr Bujairami and his team help them to settle into short-term accommodation and to access essential services including Centrelink, Medicare, and health and banking services.
“It’s an interesting job for me. I really love it, especially when you see the smile on someone’s face at the airport,” he said. “They’re excited; they’re over the moon to arrive here. It’s really exciting for me when I wake up in the morning and go to the airport and pick them up. I love what I do.”
The new arrivals receive support from SSI’s Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) program in the form of orientation, case management, and employment information and advice.
In order to help them get off to the best start in Australia, Mr Bujairami draws on both his professional expertise and lived experience.
“I was born in Syria but my original nationality is Palestinian,” he said. “It’s a complicated arrangement but because Syria doesn’t give Palestinians citizenship, we were stateless.
“Coming from a refugee background I can relate to the experiences of newly arrived refugees. I understand what it means to be a refugee, what they need, and what it feels like to adjust to life in a new country.”
His experience as a refugee has instilled in Mr Bujairami a strong sense of social justice, fairness and equality.
“I always wanted to work in this area because I needed things back home and I couldn’t get them, but I thought if I was a worker, I could give that help to other children who are like I was, growing up in a refugee camp in Syria,” he said.
“As a refugee, I always wanted to work in organisations assisting refugees. SSI gave me that opportunity with this job.
“We really support our clients, which makes you feel proud that you’re a part of this organisation that loves supporting refugees and asylum seekers.”
Mr Bujairami’s ultimate goal is to assist refugees on a global scale in a major international body such as the United Nations.
“I know how my people have been repressed and I want to be able to assist them,” he said. “I want to assist refugees to make things fair for them. I’ve always wanted to do that and hopefully I will get there one day.”
Support newly arrived refugees with a donation
“I live by myself and when I’m at home I use a walking stick,” Mr Dyer said. “Outside, I use a scooter to get around and I’m pretty good with it. I use it even if I have to go far, like Macquarie Park.”
When Mr Dyer was told he couldn’t play lawn bowls at his local bowling club, he teamed up with his local SSI Linker Hiroko Kawashima from Settlement Services International (SSI) and his Occupational Therapist from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Michelle Cohen, to find a solution.
SSI delivers the Ability Links NSW program (ALNSW) that supports people with disability, their families and carers. SSI Linkers work closely with people who need support to achieve a more meaningful and happier life. Linkers also work with the local community to support them to become more welcoming and inclusive.
Ms Kawashima organised a meeting with the North Ryde RSL Men’s Bowling Club president and found that Mr Dyer would need a tailored wheelchair, as well as a ramp to access the green. She met with Ms Cohen and they made plans to get My Dyer bowling again.
Ms Cohen said lawn bowls was a sport where people with a physical disability could participate equally with other competitors, making it appealing to many people from diverse backgrounds.
“There are no rule changes and competitors can compete on both normal green and synthetic surfaces,” Ms Cohen said.
After six months of research, negotiations and fundraising, the bowling club, Ms Kawashima and Ms Cohen sourced a suitable wheelchair for Mr Dyer to use on the bowling green.
“Mr Dyer’s new wheelchair is special because it has been modified to comply with regulations so that it doesn’t damage the bowling green which was a main concern of the club and its members,” Ms Cohen said.
When the good news was delivered to Mr Dyer, he couldn’t believe that he was finally going to be able to play.
“I have been waiting to play for three years since I finished my lessons,” he said. “I can’t wait to go down there and play with them.”
“I love bowling because it gets me out of the house and I get to mix with people and socialise.”
To make sure he received enough support, Ms Kawashima organised a carer through Catholic Community Services to be with Mr Dyer at the club once a week.
SSI Executive Manager Families & Inclusion Stephen O’Neill SSI Linkers were experts at finding solutions that benefit Ability Links participants and their communities.
“Our Linkers don’t only work towards improving the lives of their participants, but also towards outcomes that will have a positive impact for the whole community,” he said.
“In this case, the North Ryde RSL Men’s Bowling Club is now accessible for other people with reduced mobility, which is a great outcome for all.”
More than 15 families gathered at the Friendship Garden at Auburn Centre for Community and enjoyed a morning filled with activities designed to activate the children’s senses.
Settlement Services International (SSI), which maintains the garden with Auburn City Council, delivers the ALNSW program, supporting people with disability, their families and carers.
SSI Linkers work closely with their local communities and promote the rights of people with disabilities to live inclusive lives in all spheres.
“Playgroup NSW contacted SSI with the idea of doing an inclusive activity for children with a disability,” said Nicole Watkins, ALNSW Community Development Coordinator at SSI.
“We decided to go for a Sensory Workshop, which is beneficial for all types of children but especially for those who have sensory-related conditions, such as autism or Asperger syndrome.”
SSI Linker Marjorie Letta invited a group of families from the Luke Priddis Foundation, which works with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She organised a bus to transport 10 people from Penrith.
The day started with an activity in which children made their own small succulent garden to take home, followed by natural jewellery making and planting climbing beans in the vegetable patch.
Madison Roland-Evans, a facilitator at Edible Kids’ Gardens, said: “The idea is to move kids away from plastic and bright colours, which nowadays they are in constant contact with, and get them to feel natural materials and textures.”
“All activities are designed to promote sensory engagement and develop their motor skills.”
The day finished with a delicious lunch, which left most of the attendees ready to go home for a well-deserved nap after so much excitement and running around.
Playgroup NSW Manager Programs and Quality Karen van Woudenberg said the event was a great way to promote the inclusiveness of all types of children. She said Playgroup NSW was planning to organise more days like this with SSI.
Representatives from SSI, Austral Bricks and the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation joined an orientation session for new arrivals in Fairfield.
Following a series of negotiations with SSI, the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF), with the support of Austral Bricks, last month offered paid apprenticeship positions to a number of newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants who are supported by SSI’s Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) program.
The paid apprenticeships will see dozens of new arrivals develop on-the-job experience in bricklaying and roof tiling with the ABBTF, and equip them with skills to establish their own construction business within just four years.
Four newly arrived refugees with previous industry experience have already been offered full-time work, and many more will be able to fast track their career development with the apprenticeships that acknowledge prior learning.
South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE has also offered free White Card certificates to all registered apprentices, in addition to English language skills support.
Austral Bricks General Manager NSW Mark Ellenor explained the apprenticeships would help to minimise chronic skills shortages in NSW, while supporting new arrivals to develop a career in trade professions.
“There are a lot of work opportunities for bricklayers and tilers in Greater Western Sydney, and apprenticeships are a great way for people to get paid to learn,” he said.
Mr Elleanor also described the joint venture as a “first of its kind” that would open the door to many opportunities for new arrivals.
“We have been overwhelmed with the response so far, and we look forward to supporting as many new arrivals as possible to start their career in a trade,” he said.
SSI Manager Humanitarian Settlement Services Yamamah Agha welcomed the apprenticeships as a great opportunity that will support the long term settlement outcomes of new arrivals.
“Employment and education remain the greatest challenges for newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants, who often face language barriers and difficulties navigating the Australian workforce,” she said.
“The paid apprenticeships offered by Austral Bricks will make a real difference to the lives of new arrivals by minimising these barriers and allowing them to regain their social and economic independence which plays such a large role in the settlement journey.”
All participants will complete a three day training course, provided by ABBTF, after which they will be placed in paid work with employers in their local area.
This August, a team of SSI employees and people seeking asylum will undertake the 14km run from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach. Supporting the team will be everyday fundraising heroes like SSI case manager Rayila Maimaiti, whose friends and supporters are donating to sponsor her run.
Ms Maimaiti was motivated to participate from her experience working with people seeking asylum, who often face ongoing uncertainty about their future in Australia.
“It’s a great way for different communities to work together for a good cause. If one thing affects one person, of course it directly or indirectly affects all of us,” she said.
The Uyghur-born case manager draws on her own experience of moving to a new country to better support the people seeking asylum with whom she works.
“It’s quite difficult coming from a very different background. You have to adjust to a different culture, language, surroundings, friendships — everything is very different,” she said.
“None of my family members are here but I do have quite a few good friends and they have supported me when I was in difficult times. I think that kind of support is very important for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.”
Ms Maimaiti believes it’s also important to support refugees and people seeking asylum through fundraising initiatives such as City2Surf.
“The prosperity of a society relies on different types of people working together, respecting each other and helping each other in difficult times. Asylum seekers and refugees are very vulnerable in many ways and they need some sort of support and assistance,” Ms Maimaiti said.
SSI’s City2Surf team is aiming to raise $10,000 for SSI’s Community Engagement program, which organises events and activities that give refugees and people seeking asylum opportunities to connect with others in similar situations and build a sense of belonging.
“I would definitely encourage anyone considering it to join our team and support SSI because we do work with a lot of very vulnerable communities. Supporting SSI will directly help the people we work with and make Australia a better place,” Ms Maimaiti said.
Whether a runner or a walker, everyone is welcome to join the SSI team or donate to support the cause. Click here for more information on City2Surf.