REFUGEE SUPPORT PROGRAM
SEWING GROUP – BUILDING COMMUNITY SPIRIT
FRIDAYS
Beginner 3:45pm— 5:00pm Advanced 12:45pm— 3:15pm
This year the Sewing Group was fortunate to employ the services of Sharmaine Condell, designer and co-owner of the designer label, New Model Beauty Queen( NMBQ). Drawing inspiration from NMBQ’ s principles of ethical production and design, Sharmaine teaches her beginners and advanced classes how to utilise scrap material by creating unique and simple items, ranging from carry bags, gloves, to skirts.
From its modest beginnings comprising of three students, the Sewing Group has flourished and is currently at capacity with seven students attending the classes and ongoing expressions of interest from members of the Yarra community.
A large part of the Sewing Group’ s success rests with Sharmaine and her gentle and practical teaching style. Sharmaine caters her teaching methodology according to students needs and English language proficiency. This has created a relaxing atmosphere where individuals are able to share stories, laugh, bond, and learn together.
The Sewing Group continues to support students from a variety of backgrounds and situations, including recently arrived migrants, students who have experienced significant trauma, limited English proficiency, and / or disabilities.
The classes are designed to build upon one another. For example, in the advanced class, students are taught the fundamental skills of using a sewing machine, pattern making, and advanced sewing techniques, while the beginner’ s class focuses on hand sewing, craft work, and embroidery.
The final component of the class is to encourage social enterprise whereby at the end of the year,
Sharmaine and the Sewing Group will showcase the full range of their work at the Fitzroy Market where all produce will be available for purchase.
ENGLISH FOR ALL – STRENGTHENING SELF-AGENCY THROUGH EDUCATION
MON, TUES AND WED 9.15am— 12.15pm
As of July 2015, FLN experienced an increase in student enrolments in the English for All( EfA) classes from 6 students in May 2015 in to 20 students in August.
The EfA class is a free English class for asylum seekers who are either restricted or prevented from accessing government-subsidised education. Students travel from as far as Dandenong and Reservoir to attend the classes which are lead and facilitated by Teacher Coordinator, Claire Taylor, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
The small and intimate nature of the classes allows teachers and volunteers to cater the English curriculum to better suit student needs as well as provide one-on-one support.
The EfA class continues to reflect the changing nature of the asylum seeker experience here in Australia. In response to changing visa conditions, EfA now incorporates a strong employment-readiness component. Students are introduced to job-seeker networks and guided through the job-seeking experience ranging from learning how to write a resume and cover letter, addressing position description requirements, and interview techniques.
Additional support is provided by the Refugee Support Worker, who assists in resourcing document translators and is currently working closely with Gayle, FLN’ s Volunteer Coordinator, and EfA volunteers to establish a job-seeker network for asylum seekers with work-rights with the aim of assisting students to find volunteer and paid employment positions that match their skill set.
9