February 1, 2016

Inaugural refugee program information days

Information days cater to the large number of bright young refugees in the Illawarra.

A large number of bright young refugees live and work in the Illawarra but they have little or no experience of what UOW can offer them.

To address this situation, an inaugural refugee program called Ne Nhier De Piei (African tribal name ‘For the Love of Education’) were held as information days in January.

The first of the days was held on Saturday 16 January and was a great success, with more than 60 people in attendance. The second event on Saturday 23 January was a similarly successful affair. 

A range of activities were designed to be fun, engaging and culturally appropriate. Mr Garang Bol from Navitas, and Chair and Co-ordinator of the Illawarra Refugee Issues Forum (IRIF) was the lead project officer for the program. He was joined by UOW’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Inclusion and Outreach) and Executive Director of Early Start, Professor Paul Chandler.

The program was based on the following components: 

·  Introduction walking tour, similar to the current Indigenous cultural awareness guided tours (cultural trails), but also pointing out significant parts of the University and the land within it.

·  A brief introduction to some courses offered by the University, and at the same time, illustrating the multiple pathways into UOW.

·  Visit to the Early Start Facility for children and families.

·  A fun game of soccer -- UOW vs Ne Nhier De Piei team

·  An informal debrief session where families can exchange emails etc. 

Professor Chandler said the tone of the information days upheld cultural traditions of informality, and focus on families rather than individuals.

“They were fun positive days and I expect this inaugural program will grow significantly in future years,” Professor Chandler said.