A new program that aims to teach young refugees basic business skills and help them find a job was announced in Sydney today. The ‘Allianz Ladder’ program will familiarise refugee youth with business environments and help them develop the core skills and confidence they need to find their first job in Australia.

Working with local service providers, Sydney MCS is addressing the lack of adequate information regarding services available to the people it supports within the community.

Hundreds of people showed their support for refugees and an inclusive arts community last month by taking part in NSW’s leading celebration of refugee arts and culture.

When Eleni Christou visited the Greek island of Kos in 2015, she had little idea that she would be heading into the epicentre of an unprecedented global refugee crisis.

As a member of SSI’s team in the City2Surf and captain of a soccer team comprising members of western Sydney’s Rohingya community, Mohammad Younis knows well the benefits of participating in sporting activities.

Basima Zahrah’s life has undergone huge change since she was forced to leave her native country of Iraq in 2015. She escaped alone to Jordan with her four young children, three of whom live with disability.

A group of newly arrived young people from Syria and Iraq learned how to keep themselves and their friends safe in the Australian surf on a recent outing to Manly Beach.

We all remember finding our first job. That initial leap into the workplace means navigating a new world with its own unique jargon and requirements like CVs, interview skills and position descriptions.

SSI experience, backed by numerous research studies, shows that refugees and migrants bring a wealth of skills and experiences to Australia, contributing to the communities in which they live.

A report to be released on Thursday March 23 finds evidence that, with the right support, refugee entrepreneurs provide significant economic benefits to Australia. The report, From Refugee to Entrepreneur in Three Years, looks at the existing and potential contribution of refugee entrepreneurs to the Australian economy and society. It was prepared by Professor Jock Collins of UTS Business School and will be launched by the Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Craig Laundy MP, in Canberra.

SSI had a night to remember on March 22 at the 2017 Australian Migration and Settlement Awards at Parliament House, Canberra, after winning awards in two categories for its ongoing commitment to supporting migrants and refugees living in Australia.

Harmony Day is about inclusivity, respect and belonging. It was a day that SSI marked in March with a celebration as part of an initiative from Australia’s business sector that will help many refugees to build a sense of belonging in Australia.

This month, Harpreet Dhillon will be the youngest Australian delegate to attend a global meeting of organisations working towards the economic empowerment of all women. The 17 year old is already breaking new ground closer to home, where she will soon become the first woman in her family to finish high school.

Using experience gained over a career in technology and management, Ian Elgey is supporting young refugees and migrants to find their feet in the Australian workplace.

A group of novice singers and musicians from refugee and migrant backgrounds delighted a packed audience at the Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Fairfield, on December 10 with their Women in Harmony showcase.

SSI’s Romal Baluchzada is looking forward to another year supporting and advocating for refugees and people seeking asylum, after last year receiving one of the not-for-profit sector’s top accolades for his work in this area.

Community Hubs at Banksia Road and Rydalmere Public Schools organised special Grandparents Day events on November 2, attracting over 300 grandparents, parents and grandchildren.

By Elise Marley-Wallace, Allianz Public Relations and Social Media Manager In December 2016, more than 20 Allianz Australia employees volunteered over 200 hours to support not-for-profit humanitarian organisation, Settlement Services International (SSI), as part of Allianz’s community outreach program.  

It’s been a big year for Syrian brothers Sarkis and Garen Keshishian who have only recently come to call Australia home. But their sights are on the future and they have big plans to make their mark in the automotive industry.

Two busloads of refugee families travelled from Liverpool to an exhibition in Glebe for the launch of Courageous Journeys: A Family Portrait on November 16.