ASRC - Educating Refugees on Australian Workplaces
Supporting newly arrived immigrants in the workplace is the leading driver for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. Via its employment support, professional mentoring program, Serious Woo was involved in presenting an experiential workshop on ‘Fitting in with the Australian cultural work environment’. By performing scenarios, forum theatre, collaborative discussion and more, Serious Woo worked with groups to uncover their challenges and deliver an opportunity to try new approaches.
Using actors, this gave participants the opportunity to explore different cultural communication techniques, break down the cultural psyche and ask questions without facing ridicule or judgment. Each member was presented with the opportunity to work through scenarios that were relevant and current to ensure the self-learning component was at its optimal.
Training Difference
With a troupe of actors and a facilitator, we covered topics such as ‘small talk’. ‘do’s & don’ts in office conversation’ and ‘ways to win over the crowd’.
Each scenario was tailored to the real-life issues provided by the participants. This made the content particularly relevant and learner-led, with our acting troupe utilising their ability to create scenarios using improvisation and play.
Each participant was presented with a situation and a safe environment to practice different communication suggestions, followed by collaborative discussion led by a facilitator, ensuring the learning was highly personalised and yet group relevant.
Post Program Evaluation
Better understanding of the nuances of Australian workplace culture
Confidence in trying new approaches within their own workplace environment
Further education into Australian workplace culture
Program Objectives
Break down and discuss relevant Australian
cultural workplace «norms»
Address any issues or personal concerns of
each participant
Offer possible solutions for cultural workplace
immersion
Provide a safe environment to experiment with
different communication techniques
You guys nailed it with your creative performance. The performance was inspiring and a testament to your energy and organizational skills. The audience thoroughly enjoyed it and gave them the opportunity to learn new things, which was the key. It was interactive and kept the audience involved throughout.
Mentoring Program Coordinator, ASRC