Press Clippings 2

taken from LOCAL PAPER

Sudanese settled and talking it up!

A program that has assisted any southern Sudanese refugees from Melbourne’s west to learn English, has celebrated its first anniversary.
STELLA TZOMBANAKI reports

The Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning Program, or SAIL, a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that provides English as a second language for Sudanese residents in Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay, has turned one.

The program operates out of the All Saints Anglican Church in Footscray every Saturday.

Anna Grace Hopkins, one of two SAIL co-ordinators, said the program aimed to help Sudanese children and adults, who were predominantly from Kenya, Egypt, Uganda and Ethiopia learn English and get involved in activities including cooking and drama workshops.

Even homework help was available.

“There’s an ever-growing number of students each week,” Ms Hopkins said.

She said that in addition to language learning, the program acted as a social and emotional support net for the community.

“It’s a meeting place for the Sudanese community. It’s an excellent mentoring program.

“It not only helps with their English, but helps to build and maintain friendships.”

The 70 volunteer tutors, which included drivers, administration and food preparation staff, also benefited.

“Apart from learning another languages and culture, the strength and tenacity of the refugees is inspiring.”

The other SAIL co-ordinator Mathew Albert also agreed the community’s commitment to a new life was something else.

“We have different warring parties who happily sit together in our classroom, “ Mr Albert said.

“It’s a real credit to these people. Back in Sudan, these people would have been killing each other.

“It just shows unbelievable personal strength … and a commitment to flourish in their new homes.”

He said such was the success of the program that retention rates for staff and participants were “unbelievably high”, especially given the program is not advertised.

“People find out about the program through word of mouth.”

The program is funded by the Anna Wearne Trust and the Order of Malta Trust and relies heavily on donations from the community.

So far, public generosity has translated into a 3000-book library collection, furniture and computers.

Even famous US actor Paul Newman has contributed, helping the program run week-long camps at Phillip Island.

The co-ordinators are hoping to extend the program to include more students and a wider range of activities.

In the meantime, they are appealing for more help, this time from businesses in the community willing to donate sandwich filings for lunches at the Saturday school.

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