Empowerment

The Centre’s Empowerment program works collaboratively with people seeking asylum to design clear plans and pathways to help uncover skills and aspirations that lead to a person’s sense of purpose and fulfillment. The program is often the first point of contact when starting an Innovation Hub membership.

Many people seeking asylum are not eligible to become ASRC members due to receiving other kinds of government support. Unfortunately, they are not able to access the Centre’s education, and employment and training programs, as well as opportunities to participate socially or to volunteer. Empowerment pathways have been designed give more people greater access to these services.

“With all my success, the ASRC played an important role to give confidence and a platform for me dreams to come true, with very professional and kind staff members” – Khisro, IT Specialist and former member

Youth empowerment

This program supports young people seeking asylum under 30 to increase their participation and engagement with the broader community through work, study, friendship and recreation. The result has been a close, engaged group of young people who are building confidence, connections and skills to thrive in Australia.

In 2016, members designed a program in which they learnt about leadership, resume writing, public speaking, and the Australian workplace, such as employee rights, pay rates, taxes and workplace culture. Work experience opportunities were offered as part of the program at the ASRC, and also Scarf, ANZ Bank, Richmond Cafe and Telstra.

WISE women

This program supports women to realise their potential through workshops and activities that facilitate and support women to start up their own business, gain professional development, education and training and foster creativity.

Very often, women migrating to Australia feel that they lack certain skills that put them at a disadvantage. This also means women aren’t well placed to access the available opportunities.

WISE Women support women to develop a pathway, to identify and work towards filling capacity gaps and access support. The program also includes a nine-week Sisterhood Journey, a self-growth program run in partnership with MIND Australia. Building on the success of Sisterhood Journey, the program offers another self-growth program in partnership Hope Ink which aims to equip women with the knowledge and skills to discover who they are and the person they want to become.

Many women members are already accomplished professionals and an Australian qualification is an essential step to resuming their careers. In 2016, the program supported 135 women to enrol in professional courses.  Another 35 women became volunteers at the ASRC which allows women members to tap into their many diverse skills – adding to our organizational resource pool.

In 2016, 229 women accessed the WISE women’s program which has increased the participation of women in ASRC programs.

Community engagement and development

Social participation and connection is vital to a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. For more than 500 members, this program support their independence and engagement with each other and the broader community. It offers social outings and orientation to life in Melbourne, cultural activities, sports, including a formidable ASRC Soccer Team, and arts, which includes the ASRC Music Group, otherwise known as Musical Journeys.