Inala Community House’s Community Settlement Service (CSS) aims to promote self-reliance of our newly arrived clients and achieve successful long-term settlement in Australian society. Our services commonly include casework, referrals, classes and information sessions covering a wide range of issues according to changing needs.
Meet our Community Engagement staff Anushka Abeyewardene and a satisfied client Yemane Beshou who passed his Australian citizenship test on first try. Congratulations!
Inala Community House’s Community Settlement Service (CSS) offers a FREE English/Citizenship Preparation Class – every Thursday 10am-12pm – at Inala Community House (38 Sittella Street, Inala QLD).
We welcome everyone who requires support in improving your English skills or passing the Australia citizenship test. The Australia citizenship test is in English, consists of 20 multiple choice questions and has a pass mark of 75 per cent. The test is designed for citizenship applicants to demonstrate the satisfaction of legislative requirements in becoming an Australian citizen, including:
- an understanding of the nature of their application
- a basic knowledge of the English language
- an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
(For more information about Australia citizenship test: https://www.border.gov.au/Citizenship/Documents/citizenship-test-course-leaflet.pdf)
35-year-old Ethiopian Yemane Beshou is one of our many successful real-life examples of how CSS has helped in his settlement journey in Australia over the years. Back in 2012, Yemane was first referred to our service and became a registered client to receive continuous assistance in various day-to-day issues such as accommodation, job-hunting and most recently, the passing of Australia Citizenship Test.
Since October 2016, our CSS staff Anushka started helping Yemane in the test preparation process. This included filling out necessary forms and documents, providing a cover letter recommendation, translating and communicating with various government departments. Besides one-on-one case management support, Anushka also encouraged Yemane to attend the weekly group English/Citizenship Preparation Class to improve his English skills and self-confidence.
“Anushka has been amazing to work with. She guided me step-by-step throughout the entire process. Initially I wasn’t confident and even thought that I would require special assistance for the Australia Citizenship Test. I finally took the test on 14th February 2017 and passed on first try. I couldn’t believe it! I could never have done this on my own,” said Yemane.
Yemane lives in Inala with his family. He works as a part-time cleaner at Griffith University and is actively looking for a full-time job.
“I would definitely recommend everyone to come to Inala Community House if you need help or support in any life issues,” said Yemane.
Congratulations to Yemane again for officially becoming an Australian. We hope that Yemane’s success story will inspire more people and we look forward in providing greater community settlement support in future.
For more information about our services, please contact Haley Kiata (07) 3372 1711 | info@ich.org.au.