Opening Doors: Empowering Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Towards a Brighter Future
At CARAD, our Opening Doors program is dedicated to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum on their journey to independence, education, and employment. Through personalised coaching, mentorship, and skill development, we help individuals overcome barriers and open doors to new opportunities.
What We Do
Opening Doors provides tailored support to help our clients build the confidence, skills, and networks they need to thrive in their new lives in Australia. Our dedicated volunteers work closely with each client, offering assistance in:
Employment Coaching: We connect clients with volunteer Employment Coaches who provide guidance on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies. Our goal is to help clients secure meaningful employment and achieve financial stability.
Educational Support: Our program provides assistance to students who need help with English literacy, homework, and understanding the school curriculum. Volunteers work with students to improve their reading and writing skills, complete assignments, and stay on track with their studies. This support helps students build confidence and succeed in their school journey.
Social Inclusion: Building a new life in a different country can often feel isolating. To help foster a sense of belonging and connection, Opening Doors promotes social inclusion by engaging clients in community activities and networks. We support them in building relationships, accessing community services, and participating in social events. This helps clients feel more connected to their local community, reducing isolation and building confidence.
“CARAD provides wonderful tutors, kind, caring and helpful for my children. I cannot thank this program enough.”
Why Opening Doors Matters
Many of our clients have faced significant challenges in their home countries and during their journey to Australia. These challenges can make it difficult for them to navigate employment or educational pathways. Opening Doors is designed to help bridge those gaps, providing ongoing support as clients work towards their personal and professional goals.
By linking clients with volunteers who have experience in relevant industries or educational backgrounds, we offer valuable mentorship that empowers clients to build the skills they need to succeed.
Success Stories
Over the years, Opening Doors has supported clients from a variety of backgrounds, helping them achieve incredible milestones. Some of our recent successes include:
A client who, after working closely with their Employment Coach, secured a job interview within weeks.
Several clients who, with the support of volunteers, have become more engaged with their communities through social and recreational activities.
Students who have improved their English literacy and academic performance, building a strong foundation for future education and career success.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a professional looking to volunteer as a mentor or coach, or an individual seeking support, Opening Doors welcomes you. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum, helping them open doors to a brighter future.
If you are seeking help with English language, applying for jobs or connecting with others in the community, contact openingdoors@carad.org.au.
“I loved J (CARAD volunteer). She was always very kind to me. She helped me with English, but we also used to talk a lot about Australian culture. I always have so many questions, because I don’t know how things are done here, and I want to learn...I thought that I will be ok after J moved to Melbourne. But I feel very lonely without anyone visiting me. Thank you for finding me a new volunteer. I feel very happy now because I have someone to talk to.”