What can I do to help?

Build relationships and connections

Establish an environment that is welcoming and builds trust. This communicates and encourages students to approach you.
Create opportunities for students to get to know yourself and one another, and share.

its important to value and acknowledge

Young people from refugee backgrounds come to Australia with many strengths and resources
Many students have broad international and cross-cultural knowledge, multilingual skills, are adaptable and resourceful, and have a strong desire to achieve and succeed.
that students benefit from targeted support to ensure they access and remain engaged. Be sure to mind colloquial terms, explain abbreviations, speak clearly and not fast.
Emotional intelligence and maturity do not always equate to chronological age, the above factors mean young people may have taken on responsibilities and roles that other young wouldn’t experience until adulthood.

Expand your knowledge and provide support

When developing a course and learning design consider what examples, case studies, and research you are using, are they diverse and inclusive or only talking to your own experiences. This takes a bit more time and energy, but it is our jobs to do this work well.
Consider who you are talking to, it is imperative that students can see themselves, their experience and their backgrounds represented and acknowledged.
*Be aware that students with refugee experiences may not ask for help, or tell you that they don’t understand what is being asked of them. It is helpful if you ensure that all your correspondence is very clear and not using jargon. Be explicit not implicit in our communications. Students should know what is expected of them because all your instructions are unambiguous. Be sure to confirm that they have understood, and offer an opportunity for them to reach out if they are confused.
Lived experience is only one part of their perspective and expertise - Think about how you can supporting your students, without allowing their experiences as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers to define and limit them
Learn about where your students are from - The SBS Cultural Atlas is a good start.
Engage in some self-education - Don’t expect students to teach you what you want or need to know. While some students are happy to share their personal experiences - it is not their responsibility to educate yo

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.