Learning language and life skills - Jesuit Social Services

Jesuit Social Services’ English Language Support Program assists participants with English language skills and gives them a greater understanding of life in Australia, KATHRYN KERNOHAN.

Participant Fariba (left) and program volunteer Anna Wright-Smith (right)

Settling in a new country can be daunting, particularly when you are not fluent in the language or familiar with local customs.

Jesuit Social Services’ English Language Support Program aims to help people newly arrived in Australia improve their English language skills and learn more about life in Australia. Volunteer mentors are central to this program. Our volunteer mentors come from all walks of life and find us in numerous ways – online, through word of mouth, through our network of supporters and groups like the Xavier Social Justice Network.

Across two rooms in Sunshine Library, dozens of people such as Fariba (pictured) from countries including Iraq, Iran and South Sudan are working closely with mentors to increase their knowledge of shopping.

Participants are completing activity sheets about common types of groceries and learning basic skills about interacting with customer service staff.

“This program not only helps people improve their English language skills, which assists them to settle in Australia, but it also gives them a greater understanding of local society and culture,” says Carole PondevieLay, Community Partnerships Coordinator at Jesuit Social Services.

“Many of our participants have experienced significant hardship, such as time in immigration detention, on their journey to seeking asylum in Australia.

“Coming to a program like this every week, where people see familiar faces and feel welcomed and included, is a great way to help people improve their confidence and support them on positive pathways.”

Alliance key to climate justice in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is on the frontline of intensifying heat, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Remote communities and homelands across the Territory are particularly at risk of these impacts with many Aboriginal communities already facing food insecurity, a lack of safe drinking water and access to reliable, affordable electricity. The Climate Justice Alliance, established in the Territory in 2021, strives towards a just transition - one that focuses on adapting to the impacts of climate change, and on the alternative economic futures needed to ensure justice for people and planet.

Neighbourhood houses building climate resilience and community connections

In the city of Darebin, nestled in the inner north of Melbourne, there are many community members who experience multiple forms of disadvantage and are vulnerable to the impacts of heat. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Centre for Just Places is working closely with communities like Darebin, to build climate resilience. The Centre empowers them to cope with the impacts of climate change and to continue thriving as connected, vibrant communities.

School canteens feed curiosity

The Currawong Kitchen school canteen was established in 2020 to provide healthy school snacks, catering, and food hampers to families in the historically disadvantaged and under-serviced area of Mount Druitt. Two school canteens now sit alongside Jesuit Social Services’ affordable grocery stores, Ignite Food Store and Open Pantry, where the parents of school children can shop in a supportive, educational, low-cost setting. As Chandelle, who oversees Jesuit Social Services' food security programs in Western Sydney, explains "We’re different from a typical school canteen. We’re passionate about inspiring children to be curious about what they eat and encourage them to try a variety of healthy foods. We want them to develop their palates and trust their taste."

Sharing our vision with Jesuit leaders

In January, Jesuit Social Services was honoured to host special visitors from the global Jesuit community. Fr Arturo Sosa SJ is the Father-General of the Society of Jesus, the global leader of the Jesuit Order. When he visited Australia for the first time, we were delighted that he made time to visit our Richmond office. This is the first time a Father-General has visited Jesuit Social Services.

Annual Dinner 2024

More than 200 people gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 1st for Jesuit Social Services’ Annual Dinner. The event has traditionally sought to deliver a thought-providing keynote on important social justice issues, give attendees a chance to network and mingle, while raising funds for the organisation’s work. But this year, fundraising took a back seat in favour of more time to connect and build relationships.

Open Pantry helping provide food security and connection

Hear how Open Pantry delivers healthy meals and community for the Western Sydney residents.

Music workshops encourage self-expression in Alice Springs school

Hear how students at Yipirinya School have workshopped songs and laid down beats with ARIA Award-winning musician Adrian Eagle, as part of a new relationship between the school and Jesuit Social Services that will provide opportunities for performance, self-expression, and new narratives for First Nations young people in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.