By Aaron Cordy
BUILDING pathways into education and further training and then guiding people as they transition into the workforce is the cornerstone of what drives Masomo Mbele (School First) – African Australian Youth Leadership Foundation (MM).
Through MM’s Echo Hope Project, they have partnered with Murray Dairy and GOTAFE Shepparton to launch CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities) Pathways into Dairy Industry Education on Saturday, June 15.
Members of the dairy industry and GOTAFE, along with members of the wider CALD community were present for the launch, which aims to co-develop, pilot and deliver an offering that prepares CALD community members and employers of CALD people for successful careers in the dairy industry. The MM’s Echo Hope Project considers cultural differences between CALD employees and business owners/managers that may be seen as a barrier to successful integration in employment, retention and training.
Hosted by MM founder and Director, Declo Bisimwa there were guest speakers from Murray Dairy, GOTAFE and Gardiner Foundation. The audience engagement from the local Pacific Islander community, Afghani community and African community showed the need to build these pathways for people who come from farming backgrounds before immigrating to Australia, which will help fill the need for more skilled workers in agriculture.
“This event has been the next point of community consultation with the CALD community in Shepparton for this project. Our heartfelt gratitude to Echo Hope Project’s funding bodies, including Greater Shepparton City Council through Empowering Communities, State Government, and Department of Justice and Community Safety. Echo Hope Project would not have been able to meet Murray Dairy and GOTAFE without their incredible support and funding provided last year to start this exciting project,” said Declo Bisimwa.
To learn more about this project or any of the greater work Masomo Mbele does in the community call Declo Bisimwa on 0459 999 813, email masomombelefoundation@gmail.com, or follow Masomo Mbele on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
