Social Inclusion Pathways for Refugee Youth (SIPRY) was piloted in 2009 providing opportunities for 16 young refugee students from the war-torn countries of Iraq, Afghanistan and Burma to explore pathways to a brighter future. .JPG)
TAFE NSW Outreach Wetherill Park played a critical role in the SIPRY working group which was formed to look at ways to approach issues precluding some refugee students and job seekers from access to existing mainstream educational programs and appropriate support services. Some of the reasons for this include interrupted schooling leading to an extremely low level of literacy, social isolation, family caring responsibilities and a limited understanding of our education and training system. The program is a spin-off from the Place Based Service Initiative for young refugees at Fairfield Centrelink.
Wetherill Park Outreach worked collaboratively with Fairfield Centrelink, Fairfield High School, DET, DIAC, NAYSS, STARTTs and FMRC to develop a program that would engage participants and develop their awareness of alternative career pathways. The participants have developed literacy and employability skills whilst discovering the array of Vocational Education and Training options available to them through TAFE.
SIPRY promotes social cohesion and tackles barriers to education, training and employment. The program has successfully strengthened relationships working in partnership with community and interagency (government and non government) agencies, whilst effectively supporting a reduction in economic and social disadvantage for a targeted group in our local community.
The program has identified major gaps in provision for these learners. They are successfully engaged in TAFE and keen to pursue study but need more support to achieve success. Funding has been secured through AMES to run a one off Certificate II in Hairdressing at Liverpool. Liverpool TAFE Outreach and Hairdressing have made this possible providing appropriate teachers and facilities.
