STEPS Casuarina have partnered up with Australian Red Cross Migration Support Programs (MSP) to deliver workshops designed in the spirit of empowering, as well as harnessing the many strengths that come from the women’s refugee and migrant communities in the Darwin area.
The free workshops for the Adult Migrant English Program students, held recently at the Red Cross Casuarina hub, include sewing classes, upcycling, hair and make-up tutorials, jewellery and accessory making as well as social morning teas.
Red Cross Senior Officer Sabeeha Nihad says the initiative is also about having fun, connecting migrant women through social activities to form bonds and friendships.
“Our work with refugee, asylum seeker and migrant women in Northern Territory is a highlight and close to our heart, where our focus is on connecting these women with the wider Australian community,” Sabeeha said.
“Our Migration Support Programs have been working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants for more than 25 years.
“Red Cross is working closely with STEPS on capacity building, social connection and engagement of refugee communities,” Sabeeha said.
STEPS AMEP student Nathalie Nkongolo says the workshops are a great idea that give her a sense of involvement in her local community.
“I am really enjoying the workshops as they help me learn and I am hopefully looking at owning my own sewing business,” said Nathalie.
To date, Red Cross Australia have had around 150 participants from various communities in the Darwin area.
The products that come out of these workshop will be showcased and sold at the ‘Joy of Many Colours’ fundraising fashion show event at the Charles Darwin University Theatre.
Red Cross Australia believe that these activities encourage the women to expand their knowledge, grow their capabilities, and increase their confidence and self-worth.
The women play an integral part in a productive and contributing Australian community.
Through these connections not only do the women excel, but their families also have the opportunity to benefit, as does the whole Darwin community.
STEPS Education & Training run a range of courses for the community and believe in the importance of community collaborations.
For more information about our collaborative workshops contact STEPS Casuarina on 08 8925 5600.
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