Meet My Mate
The Meet My Mate mentor program matches newly arrived refugee and migrant participants (New Mates) with locally established Australians (Mentors) to learn about one another’s culture, make friends and share new experiences locally and citywide.
Shaped by a similar and successful program previously run by Spectrum MRC, Meet My Mate aims to promote cultural exchange by:
- Increasing the social activity of New Mates
- Providing funding that will allow for new social experiences and opportunities to be shared
- Fostering the development of genuine and sustainable friendships
- Providing the opportunity for two-way cultural learning
- Creating an enriching and rewarding experience for both New Mates and Mentors
Being a Mentor is a fun and exciting way to meet new people and try new things – one month the pair could be having a picnic at the local park or going to a football game, the next they could be learning how to cook a new dish or trying a dance class!
| Each New Mate/Mentor pair receives a budget for their regular outings and activities and Mentors receive training to prepare for their cross-cultural experience. As well as planning activities with their New Mate, Mentors may also provide other support such as English tutoring, developing a CV or exploring study options, and connecting their New Mate to relevant services. |
 |
| “I know the friendship will continue, even after the program, as our two families have become quite close”. Olivia – Previous New Mate Program Participant from Liberia “I now have a strong knowledge of his culture, his languages, his cultural customs and I know a lot about his life before coming here. He has no problems sharing his past with me and I believe he is proud to share it.” Aaron – Previous Program Mentor Participant |
|
Em@il this page
Print this page