News

Extended welcome for new Tibetan residents

Tibetan residents in the Northern Beaches has are benefiting from a seven-week volunteer mentoring program at TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute (NSI) Northern Beaches College. The program introduced 17 local mentors and their mentees into a reciprocal learning relationship and concluded in December with an end of course presentation. The course will be commencing again in February 2008.

“There has been a steady increase in Tibetan residents to the Northern Beaches, and this program aims at building communication, confidence and understanding,” said Phillipa Bellemore, teacher and course coordinator.

“The TAFE program is fantastic as it helps Tibetan refugees learn about the community and Australian customs from a fellow community member.

“Even simple things like choosing products while shopping and filling out forms can be confusing,” she said.

Ms Bellemore says time and effort are the only requirements to become a mentor and to help new community members find their way through employment, education, social and health services.

“The course covers the role of the mentor and focuses on communication, interpersonal skills, values, ethics and community referral skills,” she said.

“It can be very challenging learning to live in a new country,” said Tenpa Dugdak from the Tibetan Community of Australia (NSW) and teacher on the course.

“New experiences require patience and, with minimal English, it can be very frustrating.

“Following the course some of the Tibetan group have started up swimming lessons and are creating a library. All participants are so grateful and appreciative for what they have learnt. Wonderful relationships have developed,” said Tenpa.

If you are interested in learning more about Tibetans and Tibetan culture or doing the Mentoring in the Community Course contact Daena Tyerman, Outreach Coordinator on (02) 9448 4426.