The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre will officially launch its Citizenship Preparation Classes on Monday, 20 May at Bunjil Place.
Running from 12pm to 1pm, this comes as an expansion to its settlement program following a successful trial of classes earlier this year, with Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, who is also set to speak on the launch, emphasising the impact that these classes have beyond preparing for the citizenship test.
“These weekly classes are not just lessons to pass a test, they are a gateway to new beginnings, offering hope and substantial support to those on the path to becoming Australian citizens,” she said.
Throughout this year, the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) has seen some significant increases in the demand for the service, with more newly arrived migrants taking that critical step in their settlement journey.
SMRC ceo Rakesh Sharma recognises the challenges that many of these migrants face, saying that “it allows new citizens to fully engage in all aspects of life here, from political to personal, strengthening the fabric of our community”.
“Obtaining Australian citizenship is far more than just a legal formality – it’s a pivotal sp towards securing one’s future and ensuring long-term sustainability,” Mr Sharma said.
He understands the difficulties that the citizenship application process presents, with the classes tailored to each student’s pace and covering all aspects; from the application to the testable citizenship content.
“Citizenship opens doors to employment opportunities, housing, essential rights and protections that safeguard individuals and families.
“It provides a profound sense of belonging toward the nation’s ideals, values and principles; it signifies a shared bond among citizens and a collective responsibility towards the common good.
“At SMRC we are proud to offer programs like the Citizenship Preparation Classes to meet the growing need for this type of support and resources, expanding to Bunjil Place, a vibrant new hub in Narre Warren, will allow us to reach more people than ever before,” Mr Sharma said.
