OUR PROGRAM
Free to Feed’s program is centred in the power of the wisdom and talent that refugees and people seeking asylum bring with them to Melbourne. We acknowledge that translating this wisdom and talent into tangible steps forward in Australia can be tough for people who face very real barriers to social and economic inclusion here. We acknowledge the work that we all have to do, as a society, to “deepen the welcome” to those whose pursuit of freedom and safety continue long after they’ve entered our shores. We acknowledge that feelings of freedom and safety in Australia are not simply about being safe from harm, but need to be built from opportunities to create a stable livelihood and to be valued and recognised in our society.
Our program draws from best practice, research and our own experience working with people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds who have passion and skills in food. In its design, we have been guided by trauma-informed practice, and theories of acculturation, psychosocial rehabilitation and empowerment in the context of the resettlement experience.
EMPOWERMENT, COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
WHO IS IT FOR? People of asylum seeker or refugee background who seek to explore the expressive and connective power of their food and stories in Australia.
WHY IS IT NEEDED? This stream does not prescribe a particular future pathway; instead, it nurtures and supports participants’ exploration of the connective, expressive and advocacy power in the Australian community. We think of this as the ‘deep arrival’ stream, empowering participants to discover and master the tools and opportunities to authentically represent themselves and their culture here in their new home country.
WHAT’S INVOLVED? The 9-month program combines paid professional development in communication, leadership, self-care, paid opportunities for food/story expression through FTF events and comms, wellbeing & deep community support along the way.
COMMERCIAL COOKING, TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
WHO IS IT FOR? People of asylum seeker or refugee background who aspire to work in the Australian food and hospitality industry.
WHY IS IT NEEDED? Workplaces can be critical cornerstones to social and economic inclusion for people in the midst of resettling in a new country. This program stream is a powerful, research-validated approach to equipping those experiencing significant barriers to entry into the formal labour market, with the skills and tools and connections to do so.
WHAT’S INVOLVED? The 12-month program combines paid professional experience in Free to Feed’s commercial kitchen; completion of accredited training (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery) delivered onsite in a small class environment by Box Hill Institute and including translation support, wellbeing & community support along the way, support to transition into the next job or to further related training/study.
Community Adult Education (CAe)
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
WHO IS IT FOR? People of asylum seeker or refugee background looking to build their skills and confidence in the hospitality sector.
WHY IS IT NEEDED? This pre-employment course acts as a bridge to overcoming the multidimensional barriers faced by participants trying to engage the workforce. It exists as a place to practice English in a culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse environment, build community and connect to real work opportunities through Free to Feed and our networks. We work with each participant to provide brief intervention social work assessments to inform meaningful referrals to promote sustained and holistic wellbeing.
WHAT’S INVOLVED? A pre-accredited 10-week training program delivered onsite in partnership with Box Hill Institute. The person-centred course curriculum is co-designed with attendee’s to suit their needs and goals and includes casework management support, linking them to employment services and other services they may need.