Human libraries encourage connection
Libraries across Baw Baw Shire are hosting a Human Libraries event on Thursday June 16 for Refugee Week.
The event, 'Human Libraries: Celebrating Refugee Week', will feature volunteer speakers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who will tell attendees about their experiences in Australia and is made possible by a partnership between Latrobe Community Health (LCH) and My Community Library (Myli).
Funding was acquired from the LCH Multicultural Strategic Plan and final approval for the grant came from the Department of Fairness and Family Housing.
West Gippsland Libraries Education Coordinator and Library and Programs Officer Lisa Kirwin said the initiative is all about raising awareness for those who have moved to
Australia. It aims to increase the self-esteem of participants, build cross-cultural relationships in Gippsland communities, and increase the knowledge of participants about recourses, activities, and services accessible through public libraries.
"There is an introduction about who they are, then they talk a little bit about their life, and then along the way we stop and allow for questions and discussions," Ms Kirwin said.
"All of the volunteers we've had speak so far have been really determined, they've done well for themselves."
"They talk a bit about their families and how they've helped their families through that as well."
Sessions are comprised of small groups in order to allow people to ask questions and engage in conversation.
Ms Kirwin said the feedback from previous sessions in Warragul has been very positive.
"We had some people attend the Warragul session that are from the multicultural group at the Community House and they think it is a very good initiative to raise awareness," she said.
The volunteer guest speaker at the upcoming sessions in Baw Baw is Jeremiah Sakala.
It is a free event and anyone is welcome to attend, there is no need to be a member of the library. However, bookings via the Myli website are preferred.
The event is catered for, with the library providing sandwiches, tea, and coffee.
Available sessions on June 16 are: Drouin Library, 10.00am to 11.00am, Warragul Library 12.30pm to 1.30 pm and Mirboo North 3.00pm to 4.00pm.