The PAYCE Foundation has pledged $100,000 to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Employment Program which assists people seeking asylum and refugees to find work in Australia.
The funds will be used to fund an employment co-ordinator, part fund a project worker and assist with client education and training costs.
This year’s grant is an extension of a funding agreement which assisted 117 clients with skills training to help them gain meaningful employment.
The objectives of the program include:
- Assist clients make connections with local businesses
- Provide work readiness training
- Assist clients undertake vocational and accredited training courses
- Facilitate social networks for clients through organized events and workshops
- Increase clients’ digital literacy skills and access to technology.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the JRS program was delivering excellent outcomes for people who were in desperate need of assistance.
“The situation for people seeking asylum and refugees has been particularly challenging over the past two years with employment opportunities limited due to COVID-19,’’ he said.
“Despite this, JRS has managed to help many clients transition to a better quality of life including meaningful work.
“We are delighted that we can assist JRS continue its vital work.’’
JRS Australia Assistant Country Director Maeve Brown said the Foundation grant was very much appreciated.
“JRS would like to sincerely thank the PAYCE Foundation for its continued support during these challenging times,” she said.
“Employment is really the only way forward for the people we serve, as emergency relief from charities is not enough to live off and people seeking asylum and temporary migrants remain ineligible for Government Centrelink payments or any other form of financial safety net.
“We appreciate being able to partner with the PAYCE Foundation to ensure that people can rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity in Australia.”
