Laurie Ferguson attends IBM mentoring graduation at ICRA Youth Centre
Friday, 11 January 2008
Laurie Ferguson congratulates graduate Faiza Siddiqui
Students attending a graduation ceremony in December 2007 received a visit from the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Laurie Ferguson.
The function marked the end of the first stage of a program jointly conducted by the Independent Centre of Research Australia (ICRA) and IBM Australia – a youth employment mentoring program involving a group of young people from the ICRA youth centre aged from 16-22-years-old.
The second phase is a school’s mentoring program connecting senior students with mentors from IBM. The program is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship through the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security.
This plan seeks to foster social cohesion and build bridges between all Australians.
IBM employees volunteered as mentors and dedicated at least two hours each week establishing a working relationship with young people at the centre.
In congratulating the students, Mr Ferguson said the youth employment mentoring program had been a great success.
“It is a great opportunity for participants to broaden their outlook and gain a greater understanding of the value of building bridges between all Australians regardless of religion or cultural background,” Mr Ferguson said.
See:
Index of Photo album
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/photos/2008/photos-lf08001.htm
Last update: 18 November 2008 at 10:12 AEST