WISE Employment’s DiversityWISE Program is seeking volunteer community mentors to support asylum seekers and refugees.

DiversityWISE is a new program that supports Darwin’s refugee community to find and retain employment.

This exciting new program is an initiative of WISE Employment, a not-for-profit community services organisation, in partnership with Apprenticeships Australia , Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory, Melaleuca Refugee Centre , Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory and Northern Territory Government.

An innovative feature of DiversityWISE is that it offers participants personal support through mentorship.

Support and encouragement from a volunteer mentor can help participants build their self confidence, gain a better understanding of Australian culture and create new opportunities for development.

Mahongo Fumbelo, DiversityWISE Program Coordinator says that mentors are the key ingredient of this program.

“The initiatives’ combination of training, as well as support and assistance from the mentor will see participants’ confidence soaring,” says Mahongo.

“The program will also help educate employers as to the benefits of having refugees in the workplace, helping to further break down barriers to employment for this marginalised community.”

”Employment has such a big impact on a person’s self esteem and sense of worth, and is an important part in helping people feel that they are contributing to society.”

Prospective mentors will be empathetic to refugee issues, motivated and keen to work with disadvantaged people and have an understanding of and experience with industry and trades in the Northern Territory.

All mentors will be provided with training to prepare them for the role and interpreters if required.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor with DiversityWISE or want to find out more about the program, please contact Mahongo Fumbelo on 08 8941 0049 or darwin@wiseemployment.com.au