A volunteer school tuckshop program in Logan City, Queensland, is playing a crucial role in helping migrants and refugees integrate into Australian society. With the city being home to diverse cultures, many newcomers face challenges in adapting to the local working culture and language.
Connections Through Cooking, the program initiated two years ago, operates in 15 schools in Logan City and South Brisbane. It aims to provide migrants and refugees with work experience, improve their English language skills, and foster friendships within the community.
The Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) supports the program, recognizing the mutual benefits for volunteers, students, and tuckshops struggling to secure volunteers. The initiative has proven to be a success, with many participants reporting significant improvements in their English proficiency and job prospects.
Geeta More, an Indian migrant, shares her experience of volunteering at the tuckshop and contributing her chicken curry recipe to the menu. Despite the culinary differences between Australian and Indian cuisines, Geeta finds joy in learning and adapting to the new environment.
Charlene Hope, a tuckshop convenor at Woodridge State School, highlights the essential role volunteers play in preparing over 50 lunches daily. Volunteers like Geeta and Socheata Seang, a Cambodian migrant, not only contribute to the tuckshop operations but also engage in cultural exchange and language learning.
Socheata Seang expresses her enthusiasm for the new experiences and knowledge gained through volunteering, emphasizing the positive impact on her English language skills and confidence. She encourages others to volunteer at tuckshops, emphasizing the enriching learning opportunities it offers.
Through the tuckshop program, migrants and refugees are not only gaining practical skills but also forming connections within the community. The program’s success underscores the importance of such initiatives in promoting social integration and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As Australia continues to welcome migrants and refugees, programs like Connections Through Cooking serve as valuable platforms for cultural exchange, skill development, and community building. The initiative exemplifies the positive impact of grassroots efforts in fostering inclusivity and diversity in society.
📰 Related Articles
- Youth Foyer Program in Logan City Transforms Homeless Lives
- Logan City Council Exits Climate Active Program Amid Financial Strain
- Logan City Council Adapts Green Waste Program for Fairness
- Trinity College Adelaide: Equestrian Program Fosters Student Excellence
- Queensland’s Logan City Receives $30M Boost for Housing Infrastructure