By Abbey Cannan
Home-stay hosts are needed for refugees participating in the Learn English Holiday program on the Sunshine Coast from Sunday 7-12 April.
The Buddies Learn English Holiday program offers refugees currently living in Brisbane and Toowoomba the chance to spend a week on the Sunshine Coast while taking part in classes focussing on language and adaptation to Australian life and culture.
The venue for these classes is one of three local Colleges, Matthew Flinders Anglican College (the host school on this occasion), Immanuel Lutheran College or St John’s College Nambour, who make their facilities available to Buddies during school holidays.
Buddies member Diana Woolley said that for the host and guest, this homestay provides an opportunity like no other to get to know people who come from a very different culture.
“Our guests really enjoy the experience of living like a family member in an Aussie household.”
Previous host Margaret Cameron said homestay hosting builds friendships across the cultural divide.
“I have a much more meaningful understanding of Syrians (in these cases), their plights, and what we have in common,” she said.
“Not insignificant is the chance to show our new arrivals what Australians love to do on holidays – with our coast location it may be their first experience of surf and sand.”
To become a host contact Kayla Szumer on kaylaszumer@gmail.com and attend the information meeting at the St Mary’s Church Buderim on Saturday 23 March from 3-5pm.
