Australia provides its people with many opportunities, and Salih Ali is just one example. On Salih Ali’s first day out of the Maribyrnong immigration centre, he received a call from 370˚ traineeships offering him a traineeship program in Business Administration. ‘I was really excited. I was having a party at my share house to celebrate coming out of immigration and then they called me and said on Monday I have to start,’ Salih says.
It was a real turning point for the 20-year-old who had just arrived as a refugee from Sudan in 2008 barely knowing English. He recalls, ‘I was sitting not knowing what to do, waiting for the English classes to start and every week I’d go to Melbourne Citymission and my case worker would ask me what I wanted to study or do for work and every time I kept saying, “I dunno, I dunno.”’
Melbourne Citymission partnered with 370° traineeships to help Salih find a placement with an organization that could provide him with on the job training. On that fateful day in April this year, Salih got the call saying he got into a 12-month traineeship program placed with RMIT University.
Four months into the program, Salih feels very positive about life. He enjoys doing reception work and feels happy in the environment he’s in. The positive outlook has extended to his personal life. He has embraced his new home and plays footy on weekends with his mates. He even does volunteerwork, transporting food from the markets to homeless people
‘I feel really optimistic about the future because every day, every week that goes past I learn something. I’m much better, clearer in the head. I’m learningsocial skills, communication skills, the language. And I enjoy every minute when I learn something. It has been a good journey,’ Salih says.
Salih’s 370˚ traineeships field officer, Evan Henry shares, “The first thing you notice about Salih Ali is his big happy smile. His approach to work and life is second to none, he’s very eager to learn and grow as a professional and a young man. He will have a very successful career and is a great role model for others.”
This is a great success when two organizations work together. Melbourne City Mission have worked closely with 370° group in recent history and we thank them for their continued support. Please visit their website.