Women Work in Holroyd
The next Women Work Together workshop will be held at Hewitt House Neighbourhood Centre from the mid-March.
Women Work Together is a partnership between the Engaging Communities Project at ICE and the Parramatta College and has been running a range of women’s learning and self-development programs in Parramatta and Auburn since October 2005. The upcoming program at Holroyd also involves local Neighbourhood centre Hewitt House and Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Services at Toongabbie. Over 30 women have participated in the program to date, taking part in IT, English and self-development classes and getting together for social gatherings.
The free eight-week program offers English, computing and personal development classes three mornings a week, with free childcare. Women Work Together has been so popular with participants that word has spread and the women’s friends are now clamoring to find similar opportunities.
“Come and hear about our course!” says Souha Taleb, of Lebanese background. “It’s been great. I feel like I’m doing something, not just sitting at home cooking and cleaning.” Souha particularly relishes the opportunity to learn computing skills: “It’s beautiful. I never knew how to use the internet. I’ve learnt how to send and receive email and how to find information on products, education, news and health.”
Marcel Samaan, of Sudanese background, says her English has improved through “meeting and speaking with other women” from a range of cultures, including El Salvador, Turkey, Iraq, the Philippines and Afghanistan. She had never used a computer until Women Work Together, and now uses email to stay in contact with her friends in Punchbowl and Bexley, who she doesn’t often get the chance to visit in person. The computer skills will also help her to look for work. “I’ve learnt to trust myself, talk about my hobbies (I love Princess Diana!), and talk with other women about how we feel.”
For further information, contact engage@ice.org.au.
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