Given the Chance: an evaluation of an employment and education pathways program for refugees

This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the Given the Chance (GtC) program, an employment and education pathways program for refugees piloted and developed by the Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC) of the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL). The evaluation was undertaken by BSL Research and Policy Centre staff from January 2005 until December 2007. GtC develops social, educational and employment pathways for refugees. The literature shows that refugees are a particularly marginalised group in society, who face general as well as specific barriers to employment and social...  [+] Show more

This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the Given the Chance (GtC) program, an employment and education pathways program for refugees piloted and developed by the Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC) of the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL). The evaluation was undertaken by BSL Research and Policy Centre staff from January 2005 until December 2007. GtC develops social, educational and employment pathways for refugees. The literature shows that refugees are a particularly marginalised group in society, who face general as well as specific barriers to employment and social inclusion. In addition to barriers that other disadvantaged groups face, such as lack of appropriate skills, refugees also need to overcome particular barriers such as coping with trauma and having limited social networks. Consistent with recent refugee arrivals in Victoria, the largest group of participants in GtC have fled war-torn Sudan, and less than half of participants have completed 12 years of schooling, although others have qualifications which are not recognised in Australia. Hence, specialised services are required that are designed to assist refugees to overcome specific barriers. The evaluation reveals that GtC improved refugee employment and settlement outcomes for most refugee participants. The program generated tangible benefits (employment and educational opportunities) as well as less tangible benefits (improved cultural understanding) to refugees and the community. Positive outcomes were achieved through case managing refugees, guiding them into a combination of closely integrated components (mentoring, training and work placements), each one essential to refugee social inclusion. For some of the most marginalised people in our community this program has been the difference between social exclusion and successful settlement.

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