Helping African refugees settle in Australia

Refugees face many challenges as they begin their new life in Australia. Language and cultural differences can limit opportunities for interacting with the community, performing well at school and securing employment.

And specific challenges can arise depending on a refugee's nation of origin. Around half of Australia's intake of Sudanese refugees are children and young people with poor literacy and numeracy skills. Some have not been to school at all. Many have suffered abuse or been separated from loved ones.

Recognising this unique set of challenges, Mission Australia developed the African Pathways program in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Put simply, African Pathways is about supporting young people and their families as they make their transi­tion to Australian life. It particularly helps young people, up to the age of 16, complete their journey from primary to secondary school.

The program uses study support groups, career information workshops, playgroups and parental classroom visits to build relationships between refugee communities, local schools and community groups.

Working together, Mission Australia hopes to open up positive pathways for African refugees by helping them acquire the skills and information they need to complete their education and develop a strong sense of belonging in their new home.