Acknowledgements

I love what I do. I enjoy the real impact that we have, seeing young people who have previously struggled to find something meaningful in their lives or who are finding it challenging to pursue their aspirations, to actually discover what their goals are and then achieve them. I love the impact that has and how it really changes a young person’s life. You really see them grow in confidence.

I’ve been working with BSL for almost three years now, managing a suite of programs for young people primarily from refugee and migrant backgrounds – and the joy of seeing the impact of our work for young people never gets old. In the future I want to continue to have that same impact, so we can continue to support young people in the community to reach their goals and thrive.

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When Dennis was looking for volunteering work online, he came across an ad for a Digital Literacy Trainer at BSL and decided he wanted to get involved. Now semi-retired, Dennis saw this opportunity to volunteer at BSL as a perfect fit for his skills, interests, beliefs and values.

Dennis lives in New South Wales and although many of BSL’s programs and services are primarily based in Victoria, this was no barrier to him coming on board as a volunteer. With the Digital Literacy Program run remotely, volunteers can be anywhere across the country helping others – no matter their location.

Since starting in the role in March 2023, Dennis has now successfully trained two participants in the program. He also helped the participants further explore their interests and learn new skills by connecting them with an online learning program offering free courses from leading universities and corporations.

Dennis’ skills and knowledge are helping others achieve their goals, with one participant commenting that ‘he has taught me how to be a self-taught person… it has boosted my confidence, which has helped me a lot’.