Give Back (Pack): Empowering children seeking asylum through education

No child left behind
For children seeking asylum, education is a pathway to healing, empowerment, and a brighter future. Yet, many families who have fled hardship and danger face enormous barriers to accessing education. At the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC), we are dedicated to ensuring that no child gets left behind.

Gemma and Mina: Stories of empowerment
The stories of Gemma* and Mina* showcase how the ASC supports our community in accessing quality education and how that can transform the lives of children seeking asylum.

Gemma fled danger and arrived in Australia facing an uncertain future. She was a single mother with three children, all dealing with the trauma of their past experiences.

The ASC helped Gemma enroll her children in primary and high school, and provided vital support with school supplies, uniforms, and transport.
With her children in school, Gemma was able to start a small cooking business, and now her children are excelling in school. They come to the ASC to help with welcoming new clients in their spare time.

Antoinette shares:
“When children seeking asylum go to school, they develop their wellbeing mentally, physically, intellectually, and financially. The parents can work, attend their crucial appointments to lawyers, doctors, counsellors, and more. Both parents and children are productive members of the community.”

Antointette also shares the story of Mina.

Mina fled Sri Lanka where she and her family faced immense danger. With ASC’s support, her parents enrolled Mina in her local public school with her school fees waived. The ASC also provided Mina with fresh uniforms and stationery. She began to thrive in school and during school holidays, Mina even participated in English Drama workshops and creative activities at the PowerHouse Museum, which built her confidence and expanded her horizons.

Today, Mina is studying part-time at university and working. When she can, Mina volunteers at the ASC to give back to others.

Education barriers
While Gemma and Mina’s stories are inspiring, they are not the reality for all people seeking asylum. For many, the barriers to accessing education are overwhelming and the ASC is their only source of support.

“The ASC helps families seeking asylum with online enrolment and school fee waivers application. This requires a level of English and computers that newly arrived families don’t have. We also pay a school administration fee ($120) and provide school bags and uniforms for every vulnerable child when the school principal cannot assist,” explains Antoinette.

The ASC is committed to ensuring that every child seeking asylum has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

“It (receiving school supplies from the ASC) saves crucial money and enhances the confidence of the students,” Antoinetter adds.

Give Back (Pack)
The work we do at the ASC relies on the generosity of our supporters. Our Give Back(Pack) campaign is calling for donations to help us provide essential school supplies—backpacks, shoes, uniforms, and more. These items may seem simple, but they can make all the difference to a child.

Your donation will help ensure that no child seeking asylum is left behind. By giving today, you can provide the tools these children need to succeed in school and build a better future. Together, we can ensure that every child seeking asylum has the chance to thrive through education.

As Antoinette says:
“Education is a right for every child. Without access to education and professional care, the children will be continually exposed to their family’s ongoing trauma and mental health concerns… Your donation will be a life changer to the children and their parents. The children will not be discriminated against due to old or lack of adequate school equipment.”

To donate, please visit our Give Back(Pack) Campaign today.
 
Give Back(Pack)