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 .
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