Blackfriars Priory School Refugee Program

First Generation Refugees to Blackfriars

2005 20 refugee students

primarily from Afghanistan and Sudan

No formal support structures

Limited understanding of refugee needs

Refugee Leadership Program Program initiated to

enhance literacy levels through oral communication – CEO initiative

Student leaders presented their refugee experiences and opinions through a range of forums

Aimed to develop a better understanding of refugee experiences and attitudes

First Generation Refugees to Blackfriars

• Many born in home country

• Witnessed first hand war and hardship

• Typically had no previous schooling before Australia

• Intensive responsibilities to support parents in their transition to Australia

• Low literacy and numeracy levels

• Strong camaraderie with their peers

First Generation RefugeesOverall Issues Minimal access to

the curriculum Conceived

aggression towards peers and staff

Disengaged and distracted in classroom environment

Emotional distress

Successes of Leadership Program Improved literacy

levels and success with school

Stronger sense of collegiality between students and staff

Greater understanding of how to meet the needs of refugee students

Blackfriars Today

Current Refugee Cohort Typically grew up as

refugees in other countries

English is potentially a 3rd language

Experience of racism

Have little knowledge of their mother country

Many have lost their fathers or are living with relatives

Blackfriars today - Everyday Challenges Literacy and numeracy skills Funding and tightening of refugee terminology makes it

far more difficult to access resources Sheer numbers makes it difficult to manage individuals

– boys get lost in the system Boys far more eager to ‘fit in’ Negative role models – gang culture Parents’ sense of helplessness in controlling negative

behaviour Negative media perceptions and affect on students Difficulties in accessing employment opportunities Relationships with teachers and tension Greater demands – ie. Accessing external services

Refugee Support Person

Mentoring Program

Counselling of younger students

Acting as translators

Working with primary school boys

Working with teachers to develop understanding

External Mentoring ProgramMentoring of Primary School Children

Developing Leadership Skills

Sharing of Refugee & Educational Experiences

Homework Club Supports Refugee students

with their studies

Provides a space for students to gain extended learning experiences from subject specific teachers

Provides a space for student to interact and socialise with their peers and teachers

Provides a space to counsel and advise students

Lunch Meetings

Opportunity to Socialise

Sharing issues and ideas with teachers and staff members

Organising events such as Refugee Week

Joint Youth Program – Prospect Council & Blackfriars Students form part of the

Prospect Youth Advisory Committee

Develop strategies and activities to engage youth

Help to organise and facilitate holiday programs

Developed Youth Week activities and took on leadership responsibilities

Student AchievementsInnocent Bigga Award for Excellence – Young

Achiever of the Year Award (2007) Prospect Counsel Young

Australian of the Year Award (2007)

Makuac Dhal Multicultural Award for Culture

and Language as part of the Young Australian of the Year Award category (2008)

Sana Qasimy Award of Recognition –

Multicultural Award for Culture and Language (2009)