Delivered at Auburn Centre for Community by Cultural Diversity Network Inc (CDNI), a not-for-profit organisation, and funded through the council’s Community Participation Grants Program, the project focused on giving migrant and refugee women a sense of belonging, independence and purpose through education, work and social connection.
Held over eight weeks for participants who came from local Afghan, Indian, Iraqi, Chinese and West African communities, it included theoretical sessions on starting a business and practical sessions on making clothes and bags facilitated by Gina Barjeel, a fashion designer and successful entrepreneur.
A business and legal requirements session was run by Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan who is a renowned lawyer and member of Cumberland Chamber of Commerce.
International speaker Nim Gholkar delivered a session on effective communication and confidence development.
CDNI president and founding member, Dr Sabrin Farooqui, said the project was a huge success.
“The participants are very happy with what they have learnt,” she said.
“Their positive feedback gives me and the entire team great pleasure and satisfaction.
“Thanks to Cumberland Council for funding such an important and much needed project for the local community. We are looking for more funding now so we can deliver this project on a larger scale and help more women.”
CDNI undertakes community development projects to promote social harmony and integration by bridging knowledge gaps between immigrant communities and mainstream.
More info at cdni.org.au.