Australian Migrant Resource Centre. Presented by Mirsia Bunjaku, Senior Manager 30 September 2016

Transcription

1 Australian Migrant Resource Centre Presented by Mirsia Bunjaku, Senior Manager 30 September 2016

2 Non-government, membershipbased, not-for-profit settlement organization Our clients: People from refugee and migrant backgrounds who have settled temporarily or permanently in South Australia, particularly new arrivals. Our work: On-arrival support for settlement of new arrivals in South Australia Encouraging the active participation of new migrants in all aspects of social, cultural and economic life in Australia What we do

3 Supports the effective settlement and participation of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, particularly those who are new arrivals to South Australia Identifying opportunities and barriers to settlement Influencing public policy on settlement and migration issues Since 1979, assisted new arrivals to adjust to their new homeland, to become self reliant, and to develop linkages with the broader community and their local ethnic communities.

4 Our values We believe in equal access, opportunity, and participation for all South Australians Commitment to social justice. Right of all people to participate equally in society. Right of all people to access services and opportunities available to South Australians regardless of age, gender, country of origin, ethnicity, religion or ability. Reduce the gaps between groups within society. Acting ethically, impartially and in the best interests of our members and clients.

5 Migration in South Australia

6 Migration trends over the past 50 years UK, New Zealand, Canada (other English speaking) Current Post-war European South-East Asia and Latin America Former Yugoslavia Africa, Middle East Central Asia South East Asia

7 Countries of Origin Africa Middle East Asia Sudanese Burundi Liberian Congolese Somali Sierra Leonean Togolese Ethiopian Rwandese Ugandan Ghanaian South African Afghani Iraqi Uzbek Syrian Palestinian Ahwazi Chinese Burmese Bhutanese Sri Lankan Korean Pakistan Indian

8 Diversity of the migrant experience Humanitarian/refugee Student Temporary, skilled Permanent, skilled Family re-union Special protection Other

9 Diversity of the migrant experience Ethnicity, language, religion, culture Background -rural/urban, class/caste, etc Gender, age Education, qualifications Family status/ primary earner/ single parent/sole family member/spouse Relocated from other states or cities Health status physical and mental

10 AMRC HUMANITARIAN SETTLEMENT SERVICES (AMRC-HSS)

11 1. Case management Case Management underpins the delivery of the HSS program. Case management includes: -a needs assessment -a case management plan -transit assistance -reception, property induction and initial food provision -essential registrations -orientation -health services

12 2. Accommodation and Basic Household Goods 3. Local area coordination 4. Volunteer Program

13 New Arrivals Last financial year 2015/ new arrivals Main ethnicities Syrian Afghani Bhutanese Iraqi Burmese African countries (Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Liberia Etc) - Settlement areas

14 Latest cohort Arabic is the official language, and 90 percent of the population speaks it. Islam is the religion of the vast majority. About 74% of the population are Sunni Muslims. Alawite, Druze, Ismailis, Shia, and Yazidis account for another 16% of the population. About 10% of the population is Christian, with Greek Orthodox being the largest denomination. Syria is a traditional society with a long cultural history. Importance is placed on family, religion, education, self-discipline and respect.

15 Most assistance comes from within the family structure; young people often live with their parents until and even after marriage, and children are expected to take in and care for their elderly parents. Men and women socialize separately except on occasions when the whole family is involved. Education is free and compulsory from ages 7 to 15.Arabic Children are highly valued as a blessing from God. The more children one has, the more fortunate one is considered, as children provide extra hands to work in the fields and ensure that their parents will be taken care of in old age.

16 Community development Specialist services Complex case support Migration services Financial management and emergency relief Women s Empowerment Access to legal services Family Violence Prevention Pathways to tertiary education Crèche and parenting support Supporting community networks Multicultural centres, community space Administrative support Governance, management advice

17 Youth Empowerment Partnerships with over 40 mainstream organisations Police, TAFESA and other tertiary institutions, sports, recreation, arts and cultural organisations, youth training and employment, service clubs, local government libraries Some examples Youth link: mentoring, workshops and forums Youth leadership: training and experience in representation, advocacy and governance Youth Parliament: role play on preparing and debating a Bill in Parliament Youth Camp: with the Ngarrindgeri Community, learning about cross-cultural respect and understanding Community safety: various programs addressing sensitive issues of safety, violence, tolerance, resilience Linkages to other organisations: Multicultural Youth Link SA, specialised health and other services

18 AMRC is a Registered Training Organisation Certificate courses in community services and volunteering White Card Training (building and construction) English Classes Child Safety and First Aid Men s Violence Prevention Domestic Violence alert for frontline workers AMRC Works

19 AMRC Arts Harmony Day SA Refugee Week Youth Poster Competition/Exhibition Linkages for musicians and artists Cultural festivals, arts and sporting events

20 Thank you