An amazing group of refugees from Melbourne have set up a non-profit organisation called RISE. The organisation aims to advocate for change to Australian refugee policies and help refugees, migrants, war-survivors and ex-detainees to settle in to life in Australia.

The founders of RISE come from diverse backgrounds and countries such as Eritrea, Sudan, West Papua, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sri Lanka. The RISE team believes that the refugee community can be best served from within and that is what they have set out to do.

“Refugees’ insights into the social, physical and political settings in which they live are a necessary tool for understanding community needs and envisioning inventive solutions to local problems,” their website states.

“The experiences that we have been through as refugees settling in Australia will give us a chance to exchange with our fellow refugees and create a pathway for strong community and economic development in Australia. Many of us have experienced social isolation and struggles.”

RISE operates a drop-in centre and also offers many services to those trying to navigate their way around Australian life.

Some of the services RISE provide, or will soon provide, are:
A free driving program to help refugees obtain driving permits.
A music program to provide a vehicle for people to explore their musical creativity.
An advocacy service to improve refugee policy and generate social change.
A tutoring and mentor program, which will operate after-hours, to help students with their studies.
Confidential legal assistance and information on basic rights and legal challenges.

If you would like to get in touch with RISE, you can view their contact details on their website.

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