Master gardener Sabrina Hahn is encouraging Perth business owners to get involved in a program that gives asylum seekers vital experience in the Australian workforce.
Ms Hahn has been giving gardening advice to West Australians for the past 25 years.
She runs her own gardening, landscaping and horticultural business called “Hort with Heart”, which took on Afghan-born asylum seeker Nouman (not his real name) last year.
Nouman was introduced to the Hort with Heart team in September through MercyCare’s Asylum Seeker Work Placement program, fully funded by the agency.
The 23-year-old, who came to Australia as a teenager in 2013 without any family members, currently awaits the outcome of his application.
Last year, Nouman needed to find work to support himself. While he was eager to find employment, his lack of education and network of local contacts proved to be significant barriers in his search for work.
Last September, Nouman was introduced to Ms Hahn by MercyCare, knowing he had some experience working in the outdoors on his family’s farm in Afghanistan. Today, he is a full-time contractor.
When asked about Nouman, Ms Hahn said bringing Nouman into her team was the best decision she made.
“Nouman has now made it possible for me to take on other jobs that I normally wouldn’t be able to do, he’s a real asset to our business and an absolutely wonderful worker,” she said.
“He always turns up for work early, he shows great initiative and there’s nothing I’ve asked of Nouman that he hasn’t taken on with a 100 per cent gusto.
“Nouman is pleasant and polite and respectful to all of us here – I believe that he genuinely wants to learn,” she added.
Nouman says he has been enjoying being able to work and making the most of all the opportunities he has had to learn new skills.
“I love working in nature and I think I’m very lucky that I met Sabrina,” he said.
“Working just helps the mind to feel good – I feel good at knowing what I can achieve and contribute to the community.”
As he is still awaiting the outcome of his application to stay in Australia, Nouman says he is taking the opportunity to simply soak up as much knowledge as he can, while enjoying the safety and freedom of life in Australia.
Nouman is just one of a number of asylum seekers MercyCare has connected with local businesses to give them experience in the Australian workforce.
MercyCare’s Complementary Services Project Lead Teri O’Toole said providing experience in an Australian workplace was important to this group of people as it helps them improve their English, get an understanding of Australian workplace expectations, improve skills and broaden their networks – all of which are vital in helping them to get a meaningful paid role.
“Being new to the country, with no networks, local experience or references, it is very hard for these people to compete with other job seekers, especially given that they are usually needing to take on entry-level roles, either through lack of transferable skills or needing to transfer overseas qualifications to be valid for working within Australia,” Mr O’Toole cited.
Ms Hahn encouraged businesses to get involved in the MercyCare-run program.
“I’d strongly recommend all businesses to give asylum seekers an opportunity to contribute back to the community that has welcomed them in, because that’s exactly what they want to do.
“They can be so hard working and so grateful for being given that opportunity. It can be hugely beneficial for businesses as they will bring in a whole new perspective, are such resilient people and are willing to work hard in order to build a new life in our country,” she concluded.
Businesses interested in taking part in the Asylum Seeker Work Placement program can email: totoole@mercycare.com.au