Helping hands to a new life

Volunteers can make starting life in a new country a little easier for young migrants in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
The Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) is seeking volunteers to join the Ucan2 program.
They’ll empower young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to embrace every opportunity that living in Australia presents.
Ucan2 volunteers have supported more than 1000 young people in the past five years, by facilitating support for their inclusion in all aspects of community life.
Volunteers share their life experiences and skills and help young people make informed decisions about their education and career pathways.
“It really is a program like no other and I think that it brings so much happiness to the students, and to the volunteers, too,” Ucan2 volunteer Jane Pirouc said.
Fellow volunteer Hilary Murchison said the program created friendships between staff, volunteers and young people.
“It has been so rewarding to watch the students grow and develop each week, and it has helped me become a more compassionate person at the same time,” she said.
Becoming a Ucan2 volunteer requires a commitment of 2.5 hours per week for 16 to 18 weeks.
Volunteers receive training and ongoing support, and will be subject to child-safe screening and assessment including a Working with Children Check.
CMY is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation supporting 12 to 25-year-olds from migrant and refugee backgrounds to build better lives in Australia.
It’s working to remove the barriers young people face as they make Australia their home through specialist support services, training and consultancy, knowledge sharing and advocacy.
Visit cmy.net.au/ucan2 for more information or to apply to become a volunteer.