BACKGROUND

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The Living in Australia Program was started in 2012 by Buddies member Kayla Szumer who organised for a small group of refugees to come to the Sunshine Coast and stay with volunteer homestay hosts while attending English language classes at a private language school.

 

In 2016 we realised that Buddies had enough experienced teachers and willing classroom volunteers to run the classes ourselves as well as a wonderful and growing group of volunteer homestay hosts, so Buddies took over the design and running of the program. We increased the number of participants as more and more refugees wanted to take part.

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Over time we have broadened our focus from language teaching to include investigation of cultural differences, water safety, health issues and study and work opportunities.

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HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

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For a week, twice a year, 30-40 guests – from toddlers to those in their 60s – stay free of charge with homestay hosts. For many of the refugees it is their first encounter with normal life in Australia as they join their homestay hosts for breakfast, dinner and various outings. During the day they attend classes designed to help them understand Australian language and culture and also spend a day at the beach (practising beach safety) and a local zoo (Wildlife HQ).  We celebrate our LAP community with a Multicultural Dinner where participants bring food from their own countries to share with others, and enjoy the dancing afterwards.

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THE LIVING IN AUSTRALIA PROGRAM IN THE COMMUNITY

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We have built strong relationships with three local schools who offer us their facilities free of charge during April and September school vacations. Senior students assist with learning support and recreational activities. Members of school and church communities assist with daily catering, and the whole program is sustained by experienced volunteer teachers who design and run the day-to-day learning activities. A distinctive feature of the program is the one-on-one learning support provided by adult and student volunteers

 

The program unites various Sunshine Coast communities - Buddies Refugee Support Group, schools, businesses, churches, Indigenous organisations – and provides a rich cultural and educational experience not just for our Brisbane-based refugees and asylum seekers but also for the Sunshine Coast residents who volunteer.

 

** VOLUNTEERING WITH THE LIVING IN AUSTRALIA PROGRAM 

 

There are opportunities to volunteer as a classroom volunteer, homestay host or driver with the LAP program. 

 

Classroom volunteers assist participants during various activities designed to help them understand Australian culture. Participants engage in English to build confidence. The activities cover cultural aspects and provide tips for living in Australia in an informative, fun manner. 

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Homestay hosts host participants in their homes for the duration of their 6-day stay on the Sunshine Coast. It is a wonderful way to learn about other cultures, make new friends and provide a warm welcome to Australia to a new refugee. It is one of the most rewarding experiences volunteers have with the program. 

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Drivers help with lifts to and from the school or other venues during the participants' stay on the coast. 

 

Are you keen to help in the program as a classroom volunteer, homestay host or driver? Contact us at buddieslap1@gmail.com to find out more.

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