SSI welcomes government’s expansion of English language program
Settlement Services International welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement today that it will expand access to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
From the CEO: New data shows we must stop the migrant blame game
Since the beginning of the pandemic in Australia I have been deeply disturbed by the increase in racist harassment, reporting and attacks on culturally diverse Australians, with several community members reaching out to me to express their fear and concern over the situation.
Settlement Services International (SSI) and Australian National Maritime Museum sign MOU to strengthen support for new migrants to Australia
Two organisations deeply involved in migration to Australia have today signed an MOU to develop programs and initiatives to support new migrants.
Hardworking taxpayers left with almost no support: an insight
“There are many, many honest and hardworking taxpayers, now unemployed in our communities who have almost no support. They are in serious crisis,” said SSI Community Engagement Practitioner, Paula Ben David.
“Children need to know where they come from.”
For single mum, Linh, becoming a foster carer has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
From the CEO: We are witnesses to history
Last week marked the seven-year anniversary of Australia’s introduction of offshore processing of refugees. In a weird twist of fate, Kurdish-Iranian journalist – and former Manus Island detainee - Behrouz Boochani was granted permanent protection in New Zealand just a few days later.
Social Engineer draws on experience to support others through COVID-19
Since moving to Australia in 1998 due to political and civil unrest in Iraq, Bashar Hanna has faced and overcome the many challenges of establishing himself personally and professionally in a foreign land.
SSI congratulates new Chair of SBS, George Savvides
Settlement Services International congratulates George Savvides AM on his appointment as the Chair of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and looks forward to working with him for the next five years, as the media organisation continues to give a voice to all Australians, regardless of gender, geography, age, cultural background or language.
How Saira found a second family while searching for employment
In March 2018, Saira* crossed the globe alone, travelling from her home in Sierra Leone to Australia, to escape her traditional marriage and build the foundations of a new life for herself, and one day her children.
Foundations for Belonging 2020
Shines a light on aspects of integration that are overlooked.
Refugee Week, launched with new research, was celebrated 1.5 metres apart but still together
The pandemic has changed how communities come together, and 2020 presented a challenge that required Settlement Services International (SSI) and Refugee Week partners to readapt usual modes of engagement for events and celebrations.
From the CEO: Words aren’t just words when they excuse violence
The viral video of an NSW Police officer using physical violence in response to a swearing teenager has rightly caused outrage at a time of heightened racial tensions across the world.
High-achieving refugee becomes university student peer researcher
When Abdallah Al Tibi and his family had packed their belongings in 2012 to seek temporary refuge from Syria in bordering Jordan, they did not anticipate that they’d never return, and packed for only two weeks.
Iraqi-born researcher and refugee gets work published in prestigious scientific journal
Iraqi refugee and PhD student of astronomy Rami Alsaberi arrived in Australia in December 2016 with his parents, brothers and sister as a family unit of seven from Iraq after spending three years in Jordan.
New research shows social networks provide refugees with significant foundations for belonging
New research by Settlement Services International and the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, challenges narrow economic definitions of successful refugee settlement and, instead, suggests social and civic dimensions are equally valid markers of refugee integration.
From the CEO: 2020 – the year of welcome?
Dates allocated to celebrate particular causes and communities can sometimes risk ending in token celebrations that are quickly forgotten as we prepare for the next occasion. In Australia, we’ve always endeavoured to ensure that Refugee Week in June is about more than just ‘food, festivals and fashion’, but this year brought a whole new challenge thanks to COVID-19.
COVID-19 causes talented asylum-seeking artist to lose work, but not hope
Like many individuals working in the creative sector, Damon, a talented photographer and artist has been greatly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
Research aims to improve screening for domestic violence so refugee women get the help they need
Settlement Services International (SSI) is collaborating with the University of Wollongong (UOW) in a research project to identify and address domestic violence experienced by newly arrived refugee women.
COVID-19 leaves Australia’s most vulnerable without food on the table
In response to overwhelming demand, SSI is distributing donated food packages to individuals and families from asylum seeker backgrounds.