By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
IT TOOK three weeks for a Dandenong asylum seeker employment service to get flooded by demand.
With little publicity, and not so much as a sign outside its office, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre has been besieged by more than 100 clients for English language classes, job seeking skills and workplace training.
Already the ASRC is contemplating trying to cram in more classes. About 50 a day are doing morning and afternoon classes; meaning another 50 have been put on a waiting list.
Frustratingly for most of the lucky first enrolees, they are on bridging visas and don’t have rights to work.
Those who are allowed to work are taught English and made ready to land “survival jobs” such as cleaning and other menial work.
Rosa Misitano, the ASRC’s employment services manager, has been taken aback by the sharp demand fuelled by word-of-mouth and referrals from other overburdened agencies.
“There’s not a lot of support from the government.”
It has been a steep learning curve for Ms Mositano adapting from an inner-city “corporate” background. She has quickly realised there’s a deep source of goodwill in Dandenong.
Ms Mositano says a loyal team of 20 volunteers – a mixture of retirees and students – are making life easier, readily doing chores and offering donations such as a class-set of Melways.
“These people just want to help in some way. They say they feel quite embarrassed about how (asylum seekers]) are being treated.”
More volunteers are needed, especially ESL tutors, employment advisers and administrators.
It’s been challenging too for Ms Misitano, adapting from a “corporate” background “using my business skills for good not evil.”
She was shocked that a 13-year-old girl, as a last resort, arrived in the office seeking English language classes.
“Many are dealing with a huge amount of issues, often worrying and supporting their families back home.
“We make sure they’re fit and ready for work and not going into a deep depression.”
Already, previously shy clients proud to have received their first exercise books have “come out of their shell”.
“We’re seeing some smiling faces. We’ve seen people move from shy and broken to being cheeky and having a bit of banter at reception.”
The philanthropic ASRC receives no government funding. It is at 179 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. To volunteer or help, call 8772 1380.
