House of Welcome initiative provides ‘stepping stone’ to life in Australia
The PAYCE Foundation has announced a $185,000 three-year funding package to assist House of Welcome’s Work & Welcome program, which helps refugees and people seeking asylum find employment.
The PAYCE Foundation funding will assist more refugees and asylum seekers to complete structured, short-term, paid work placements, equipping them with the skills to find long-term paid employment.
Under the program, organisations, including some of Australia’s leading Catholic schools, provide funding for job placements via a workplace giving model.
The program also assists clients:
- Create pathways to financial independence,
- Build confidence and self-esteem,
- Make connections and develop networks,
- Gain valuable experience in a supportive work environment,
- Find and transition to ongoing employment.
Since 2010, more than 80 per cent of program participants have gained employment or are on track to complete further training or study.
Many new arrivals come to Australia with valuable qualifications, skills and experience, yet struggle to find employment as they lack a local work history and may have limited English.
Work & Welcome helps them overcome these barriers and is an important step towards re-establishing a sense of hope, dignity and belonging as they prepare for long term employment success.
Most of the funding for the program comes from private donations.
