About Us.
Are you interested in learning more about refugees and how to support them? Or perhaps you're looking for resources to help refugees navigate the resettlement process? BAKENGA Refugee Awareness is here to help!
BRA is a passionate Refugee Integration Specialist with 10+ years of experience. Our goal is to:
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Empower refugees through culturally sensitive programs and advocate for their successful integration.
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Foster understanding and building bridges between refugees, their service providers and the wider community.
Our expertise as a Refugee Integration Specialist lies in developing culturally sensitive programs and building strong relationships to support refugees on their integration journey.
Bakenga Refugee Awareness was founded by a former refugee who understands first-hand the challenges of settling in a new country.
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Our Distinction: Lived Experience
What sets BRA apart is our team. We are comprised of former refugees and resettled refugees ourselves mixt with former refugee workers. This lived experience fuels our passion and allows us to provide culturally sensitive and practical support. We understand the challenges and triumphs of the resettlement journey first-hand, allowing us to better guide and advocate for new arrivals.
Our Programs:
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Local Refugee Provider Training: We equip local service providers with cultural awareness tools that gives them knowledge and skills to effectively support and empower newly arrived refugees.
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Pre-Resettlement Orientation: Our training programs prepare refugees for the realities of life before and after re-settlement in their new country, easing the transition and fostering a sense of security.
Our Impact:
BRA is committed to building a brighter future for refugees. By equipping both refugees and those who support them, we foster successful integration and empower individuals to build fulfilling lives in their new communities.
We are more than trainers, we are partners in building a more welcoming world for refugees.
Who is BRA for?
in Australia our programs are designed to serve multiple stakeholders within the refugee community as well as the broader Australian society. Here's a breakdown of our services is for:
1. Host Communities: The organization recognizes the importance of fostering inclusivity and social cohesion within host communities in Australia and oversees.
2. Government and Policy Makers: BRA advocates for policy changes and systemic improvements to better support refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
3. Social Workers: Social workers play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers navigating complex systems and challenges. BRA can offer training and resources tailored to the needs of social workers working with refugee populations.
4. Teachers: For teachers working with refugee students in schools, BRA can offer professional development opportunities focused on supporting refugee students' educational and psychosocial needs. This may include training on trauma-informed teaching practices, culturally responsive pedagogy, language support strategies, and ways to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
5. Police Officers: BRA can provide cultural competency training and resources to police officers to help them better understand the needs and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. This training can cover topics such as trauma-informed approaches, refugee rights and protections, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication strategies.
6. Health Workers: Health workers, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, often encounter refugees with unique health needs and experiences. BRA can provide training and resources to healthcare providers to help them address these needs effectively.
7. Refugees and Asylum Seekers