Ucan2 gets funding boost
Foundation House is delighted to announce its selection by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to participate in the Youth Transitions Support Program an 18-month pilot program targeting 16-24 year old young people of refugee background. The Foundation House Ucan2 program will receive the funding boost and is one of six sites across Australia participating in the pilot.
Ucan2 developed in partnership with AMES and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, provides an integrated approach to education and broader settlement needs of young men and women from refugee backgrounds. The pre arrival experiences of young people from refugee backgrounds often include long term displacement and disrupted education. Ucan2 establishes sustainable pathways from on arrival English language programs into mainstream education, training and employment.
The $22.1 million pilot is being funded by the Federal Government and learnings will be shared with other settlement services, so that young humanitarian entrants and migrants across the country will be supported in their transition into education, work experience and employment.
Speaking at the launch of the pilot on Dec 17th, Commonwealth Social Services Minister, The Hon. Christian Porter said young refugees faced particular challenges, putting them at risk of social and economic disadvantage, which can further increase social isolation and disengagement. “We are supporting young people who want to build a positive future for themselves in Australia,” he said.
Social Services Minister, The Hon. Christian Porter speaks at the pilot launch
Minister Christian Porter presenting a Ucan2 certificate of completion to participant Donciella
Foundation House CEO Paris Aristotle said at the launch that Ucan2 changed lives. “Ucan2 instils confidence into vulnerable young people, teaching them to navigate education and work pathways in Australia and helping determine their career and life aspirations. Refugees often lack social connections, and are unsure of the opportunities available to them in Australian – a country vastly different from their home. Providing refugees with work experience and individualised mentoring often sets them on their career path and results in happier, more productive individuals. Foundation House is excited the federal government has recognised the value of this program, and we look forward to delivering the pilot over the next 18 months.”
For more details on Ucan2 click here
Ucan2 participants and partners tell Minister Christian Porter about the program
