June 19 2026
Finding belonging through Calvary's Refugee Mentoring Program
Calvary's Refugee Mentoring Program helps people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds build confidence, develop workplace skills and create meaningful connections as they settle into life in Australia.
Starting a new life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging.
For people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, learning a new language, understanding a different culture, navigating unfamiliar systems and finding employment can all be part of the settlement journey.
Calvary's Refugee Mentoring Program, delivered across the ACT, helps support people as they take these important next steps.
Through placements at Calvary John James Hospital, Calvary Bruce Private Hospital, Calvary Home Care and Calvary Haydon Aged Care, participants gain valuable workplace experience, explore career pathways and build meaningful connections within their new community.
Shoaib is completing his placement under the guidance of Jaspreet, Head Chef Catering Services at Calvary John James Hospital. Through the mentorship, he gained hands-on experience in hospitality and kitchen operations while building confidence in a workplace environment. For him, joining the program was an opportunity to learn something new.
"I joined because I wanted to learn something," he said.
During his placement, Shoaib gained experience in hospitality and kitchen environments, developing practical skills while exploring future career possibilities.
"I've been learning hospitality and kitchen skills. I really like cooking and learning new things in the kitchen," he said.
The experience has inspired him to think about where those skills could take him in the future.
"I've learned a lot here and maybe in the future I will work in a kitchen."
For Yousuf, the impact of the program is felt in a different way. "The program helped me learn the language," he said.
Building confidence in communication is one of the many benefits participants gain through the program. Improved language skills can help create opportunities for employment, education and stronger connections within the community.
The program has also helped participants take meaningful steps towards employment.
"My life has changed and I found a job," Yousuf said.
Stories like these reflect the broader purpose of the Refugee Mentoring Program, helping participants gain confidence, identify career pathways and develop skills that support their future goals.
The impact of the program is also evident to the mentors who support participants throughout their placements.
Myurra, Allied Health Physiotherapist and Refugee Mentoring Program mentor at Calvary John James Hospital, believes the program plays an important role in helping people settle into a new country.
"I believe the Refugee Mentoring Program is important because it can be life-changing for anyone that is settling in a new country," she said.
Drawing on her own family's migration story, she said she has a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to leave home and begin again in a new place.
The program provides participants with opportunities to learn about their new community, develop workplace skills and build relationships that foster a sense of belonging.
"For me, this program gives me an opportunity to learn more about their stories, while helping create a supportive environment. I believe everyone should feel welcomed when they're here."
Over time, mentors often witness remarkable growth in participants' confidence and communication skills.
"Since the commencement of the program, I've mentored four participants and what I noticed was that their communication skills increased a lot as the program progressed," Myurra says.
"They were able to talk to patients and staff a lot more confidently."
Participants also gain valuable insights into Australian workplace culture and the healthcare system, while many discover new career aspirations along the way.
Myurra says many participants finished the program with a greater understanding of healthcare careers and a desire to continue contributing to the sector.
"By the end of the program, they all said they would love to work in the healthcare system too," she said.
The Refugee Mentoring Program forms part of Calvary's commitment to supporting people in the communities we serve. Through practical workplace experience, mentorship and meaningful connections, the program helps participants build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their future.
For participants, mentors and staff alike, the program is about more than work experience.
