Navitas Skilled Futures wins $5000 CommBank Community Grant 

Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) Fairfield has been awarded $5000 as part of the Commonwealth Bank’s Community Donations Program, in recognition of their work supporting refugees and migrants in Western Sydney. 

The grant was allocated following a community vote in CommBank branches in Sydney’s Bankstown region, and the cheque presented on 31 October at the Commonwealth Bank Fairfield branch. 

NSF Stakeholder Engagement Manager Basim Shamaon said the grant would be used to fund the college’s first graduation ceremony in more than a decade for hundreds of students in December.

NSF is contracted by the Australian Government to deliver programs that help people from diverse backgrounds improve their English, digital, employability and workplace skills for a better future.

Fairfield is one of several NSF colleges across NSW, the ACT and Victoria delivering the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program. 

The college was one of two local organisations nominated for the grant, and received the most community votes.

Basim said the college was honoured by the recognition.

“We received so many votes from customers and the general public,” he said. “The $5000 will really give back to the community and celebrate our students.”

He said the votes were a testament to the impact NSF Fairfield has had on the lives of refugees and migrants. 

“We not only look at language skills, we look at employment skills, and we provide a space where they can improve their social and mental wellbeing. We invite guest speakers to keep them up to date when it comes to government services and essential services.” 

– Basim Shamaon, NSF Fairfield

Earlier this year a police visit was organised by trainer Camilla Portela with the Youth Class following upheaval in the Western Suburbs surrounding the Wakeley riots, to help improve the relationship between the police and community.

Following the visit, several young men from the class expressed their desire to become police officers and students reported feeling more confident and comfortable with police officers.

This approach by NSF has been recognised with multiple accolades, including a Premier’s Medal and recognition for their partnership with the Salvation Army. 

“It’s not just ticking boxes – we make a difference in people’s lives,” Basim said.

James Laris, the Commonwealth Bank Bankstown Area Manager said the Community Donations Program celebrates organisations that make a difference to the local communities in which they operate.

“Navitas Skilled Futures makes such a valuable contribution to our local community,” he said.

“Navitas is a centre that helps migrants learn English to help with future career opportunities, higher education and many other opportunities. We hope the donation will help them to continue their great work.”

Ceremony to celebrate students 

Basim said the graduation ceremony would celebrate many first-time students.

“Some of our students, especially people coming from smaller villages or difficult refugee backgrounds, have never even been to schools. So for them a graduation ceremony is a big deal,” he said.

The December graduation will celebrate students receiving certificates and statements of attainment. Basim also hopes to feature student performances and awards celebrating excellence in attendance, performance and achievement.

Commonwealth Bank representatives will be invited as guests to witness the achievements of NSF Fairfield’s diverse student community.