Asylum Seeker Pathways Forum: Overcoming Barriers and Creating Pathways into Higher Education and Training

Venue: B103 - Theatre 1, 221 Bouverie Street, Theatre 1

Presenters: Ms Sally Morgan, Mr Ivan Mahoney, Dr Colin Long, Ms Jennifer Lord, Mr Erfan Yari, Ms Delaram Ahmadi

Young people seeking asylum in Victoria are among the most severely disadvantaged in our state. They face significant challenges: the ongoing uncertainty of their visas, the need to develop their English skills and the apprehension generated by the government’s transition to a Border Force mentality. They are, on the whole, remarkable young people and they need our support.

Even for those trying to assist, the restrictions and uncertainties around bridging visas can be confusing and disempowering.

The Asylum Seeker Pilot Pathways Project (ASPPP) offers exciting opportunities to create those pathways into education and meaningful work.

This public lecture includes a panel conversation with:
Dr Colin Long
Victorian Secretary NTEU and Refugee Advocate
Ivan Mahoney
Principal, St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre
Sally Morgan
Teacher and ASPPP project lead
Erfan Yari
Asylum-seeker VCAL graduate and VicSuper trainee
Jennifer Lord
Executive Manager People and Culture, VicSuper

Presented by the Melbourne Refugee Studies Program

The Melbourne Refugee Studies Program (MRSP) is a University of Melbourne initiative that intends to make a constructive contribution to discussion and decision-making concerning asylum seeker and refugee policies and programs in Australia and internationally.

It aims to draw on the deep expertise and commitment of the University's academic and professional staff and students, support collaboration and exchange across faculties and schools, engage with leading asylum seeker and refugee programs across Australia and internationally, and engage the broader community in informed public discussion that will support and inform the development of effective and ethical asylum-seeker and refugee policies and programs.

from
https://events.unimelb.edu.au/events/7372-asylum-seeker-pathways-forum-overcoming-barriers-and-creating-pathways-into