Landing in Perth after having spent much of her childhood in refugee camps, 15-year-old Alice found settling in to her new life in Australia challenging, especially school. Unable to understand what the teachers and other kids were saying, and having missed the foundation years of primary school, she faced some pretty big barriers to getting a quality education.
“I found it very confusing at first, because there were lots of computers, and I've never seen that. And there weren't many people who looked like me, so I was a bit lost,” she says. But Alice has been fearless in the face of these challenges. With courage, determination, two years’ of intensive English classes, and support from 54 reasons' Home to School service, Alice has been able to thrive at school.
I found it very confusing at first, because there were lots of computers, and I've never seen that. And there weren't many people who looked like me, so I was a bit lost
The Home to School is a type of Family Support service that provides children of refugee and recent migrant families to settle into school, ensuring their right to a quality education and the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. A Home to School Family Support Specialist regularly visits children in their homes to determine the most appropriate support. Depending on the family’s situation, this may take the form of food and clothing, assistance to communicate with teachers and community services, or supporting the children to catch up on foundation skills through a homework club. This gives children a chance to develop confidence, learn and succeed at school. Now in Year 10, Alice enjoys school, with a particular interest in biology. "I do like science…I get to learn about the human body and all that stuff. It’s fun. I’d like to go to uni and study nursing…I guess I like to help people," says Alice.
54 reasons acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land on which we work, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their lore, and to their Elders past, present and emerging.
54 reasons is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of the LGBTIQ+ community.
