MOUNT Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) has celebrated the recruitment of its 200th volunteer.
A refugee resettlement organisation, MECA provides various training programs for new arrivals and has set up work experience pathways for tertiary students in the Mount Druitt area.
Manager Amy Hope said MECA volunteers gain valuable experience in an Australian workplace.
“Our volunteers are able to become familiar with the Australian working culture. Essentially, we support people who are interested in working in the community, whether that be in youth programs, social justice, human rights or whatever area their skill set can lead them to. Gaining that experience puts them in a better position to find paid work.”
Amie Hope
MECA held a volunteer and student placement education day on Wednesday. The session covered four main topics; assertiveness, confidence, emotional intelligence and effective communication.
A recent graduate of MECA’s Volunteer2Work program, Angie Crawt said the program gave her the confidence to find work.
“Working together as part of a team gave me the opportunity to learn, grow and share my skills,” she said.
“Volunteering has given me more connections and opportunities to gain employment.”
Volunteer coordinator Holly Corpe said MECA volunteers have made a significant impact on the community.
The Mount Druitt community is filled with people willing to give their time in order to support those that require it,” she said.
“MECA’s clients are primarily migrants and refugees seeking to make a new life in Australia. Our volunteers enable these new arrivals to settle successfully and become productive citizens.”