Refugees given a hand

Friends of Refugees helped more than 2000 people seeking asylum to feel welcome and supported during the past year.
The independent not-for-profit organisation held its third annual general meeting at its Leslie Street, Dandenong, drop-in centre on Wednesday 23 November.
Since 2013, Friends of Refugees (FOR) has worked as a coalition of volunteers offering support and compassion for people seeking asylum, and refugees.
Its aim is to create a positive future for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.
FOR secretary Julie Klok said that during the past year, the group “has done what it can with minimal funding” to help more than 2000 people seeking asylum feel welcome and supported in the community.
She said it provided emergency relief, material aid and food aid; a children’s education program; family literacy programs; bikes; computer recycling; employment and training opportunities; and friendship outreach.
“A highlight of the year was the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Awards Recognition (RASRA) held at Melbourne University, where the achievements of refugees and asylum seekers were acknowledged,” Ms Klok said.
“FOR will be focusing on employment and training opportunities for people seeking asylum with limited English and skills through our social enterprise activities.”