Opportunity knocks

In a last-minute flurry of activity before the end of the year, Jesuit Refugee Service and the people it works with have been on the receiving end of a crop of festive goodies, including a $5,000 grant and precious offers of employment.

JRS's 'new kid on the block', a refugee and asylum seeker shelter the Sydney suburb of Ashfield, recently received a $5,000 grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation. The house opened in September and currently houses seven men from almost every continent on the globe.

'Thanks to some wonderful donations of furniture, we managed to furnish the house at nearly no cost, which was truly incredible,' says Louise Stack, JRS Project Coordinator. 'When you consider the size of it-five bedrooms, two kitchens, two lounge areas and two bathrooms-we really did very well indeed.'

Three of the refugees supported by JRS were recently employed by St Vincent's Hospital and the Mater Hospital in North Sydney. 'They have been selected to participate in a fantastic 12-month apprenticeship tied in with a TAFE training course, and will finish with a certificate in cleaning and food preparation', says Louise. 'This opportunity allows these young men to gain confidence, learn useful skills, not only on the job but in preparing for interviews, and to finally be able to live independently.'

Like many new arrivals in Australia, refugees and asylum seekers face immense hurdles when trying to find employment, particularly when English is not their first language. 'Newcomers have no idea how to navigate the job market, and no Australian employer to vouch for their work', says Louise. JRS makes use of 'employment volunteers' who run mock interviews with refugees, preparing them for interviews by building their confidence. 'The hospitals reported that we had the best prepared candidates they had ever seen!'

Refugees associated with JRS have also been offered specially targeted TAFE-based training in digital storytelling and communication. 'The course is inspiring many of our refugees to learn new computer skills and learn how to tell their own stories. At the end of the 10-week course the students will have made their own three-to-five minute movie and be able to publish it in digital form', says Louise.

One of the most poignant signs of JRS's success this year came in the form of a donation from a former refugee. 'He dropped by after he had received his first paycheque and donated $50 to help with the cost of running his old accommodation facility. It meant so much to him to be able to give something back, and make his own contribution at last.'

By Catherine Marshall

30 November 2009