talk
february 2009
Keeping Connected – African refugees share their traditional, cultural cuisine
The Sorghum Sisters will then demonstrate how to make the traditional bread from the Horn of Africa, Injera. Injera is made from Sorghum flour and is a staple food eaten with traditional curries. They will show how it is eaten traditionally and how they have developed the Injera roll, a modern-variation.
Siti Imbrahim came from Ethiopia in 1992 and prior to joining the Sorghum Sisters was looking after her 3 young children. She had been making and selling African bread (injera) for friends and family and welcomed the opportunity to formalise her skills, gain a qualification and to develop a micro business that builds social capital at the local level. Siti has become the spokesperson for the Sorghum Sisters.
Nuria Khalil came from Ethiopia in 1996 and had worked in an African restaurant in Footscray but at the time of joining the Sorghum Sisters was unemployed and caring for her 4 children. Before coming to Australia, Nuria worked in hotels in Somalia and Kenya. She has been extremely enthusiastic about becoming a Sorghum Sister and developing her hospitality skills and experience.
Rahma Ibrahim came to Australia in 1995 from Eritrea. She worked as a Sales Assistant and Dressmaker in Saudi Arabia and Eritrea before settling in Australia with her family. Rahma has taken to her new role as a Sorghum Sister with gusto.
Maria Tsopanis is the Enterprise Area Manager NW for AMES and has worked with the Sorghum Sisters from its inception.
Since its establishment by the Commonwealth Government in 1951, AMES has helped over half a million people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds develop English communication skills, develop pathways to further study and successful careers, utilise individual skills and overcome barriers to participate fully in the life and culture of Australia.
AMES has a specific focus on building the capacity of new and emerging communities to settle effectively within the broader Australian community. AMES employs an increasing number of staff from the client communities we serve and are thus able to provide services and support in many languages as well as employment opportunities for recently arrived migrants and refugees.
AMES works closely with other organisations to ensure effective service delivery and improved opportunities for our clients. The organisation also provides evidenced based input to federal and state government policy development and advocates for changes to services that will benefit our clients.
AMES Services
• Settlement services for newly-arrived migrant and refugee families on arrival in Victoria, including airport reception, assistance finding accommodation, linking with the social security system and the immediate community, assistance with immediate health issues and enrolment in English classes
• Education and training programs for individuals and communities including English language and literacy training, vocational training, traineeships, skilled professional migrants programs, orientation to employment programs, work – training enterprises providing practical training and employment, citizenship and civics education and specific programs designed for young people
• Employment services for job seekers including many from CALD backgrounds including career advice, job preparation training / orientation to industry workshops and job placement
• Innovative educational resources that strengthen and support education, employment and settlement
• Intensive programs, study tours and E-learning resources for international students