Angelica Mimi Germano – Post #02
I am now midway in both my internships for Carringbush Adult Education and writing for Amnesty International Am-unity magazine. I have now finished my task at Carringbush of obtaining information and gathering data for the updated service directory, and quarterly calendar for Richmond Estate residents. Whilst I only see the clients attend their English classes, and witnessing the public housing briefly, this has allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the lives, and struggles that these migrants face. Seeing the clients passionate and excited to attend English classes made me realise we often take education for granted and view it as a chore rather than a luxury that is often denied to many. It also allowed me to gain a deeper perspective into the complexities that migrants face in relocating to Australia. I had naturally assumed that these migrants were relieved and happy to start a better life here in Australia as they had increased access to services. However, listening to the complexities faced by these migrants I realised that is not always the case. These marginalised groups often remain marginalised when they relocate to Australia. They are often isolated and due to their language barrier they are unable to gain access to social and employment opportunities. On my lunch breaks I could not help but wonder whilst they have shelter and safety does the isolation create depression. Is one issue being addressed only for another issue to emerge? This experience has shifted my perspective and allowed me to see the significance of dissolving that language barrier. I admire the work that Carringbush is doing. I am still in the process of writing my article for Am-unity. I am excited and grateful to be able to express myself and not have any limits to adhere to. It is not very often that you can choose to write about your passion. Whilst I spend a portion of time dedicated to writing each part of my article I found that analysis and reflection has also helped me during this process. Something simple as walking past the homeless people on Swanston Street, and analysing the reaction of passers-by made me see the stereotypes without people directly saying it out loud. So many people walk by these homeless people in discust, pity, or failing to acknowledge them. If you watch closely it is not the lack of money that people give that creates despair on a homeless person’s face it is following the treatment that they receive. I believe as both a development practitioner and member of the public you have to put yourself in that position. Visualize how sacred you would be not knowing where you will get your next meal from, how you will stay safe, where you will sleep. You often avoid going out in the middle of the night due to safety concerns now imagine these people who have no shelter. Many physical assaults and sexual assaults have occurred among homelessness. Shelter is crucial for survival and every person deserves it as it is their human right.