Young refugee inspired to pursue his dream career after police visit at Navitas Skilled Futures

A visit from a local police officer has helped break down barriers between young refugees and law enforcement in Fairfield. One young man has revealed he’s now pursuing his own dream of becoming a police officer.

Abdul Fatah Rizai has only been in Australia for three months. He lives in Fairfield where he studies the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas Skilled Futures, the organisations’ youth-specific class, but every week he travels by train to Olympic Park where he is learning how to swim. His objective is a career protecting his family and community.

“I want to learn so I can be a police officer, that’s my dream,” he said.

“First I need to learn better English and learn to swim and have good fitness.”

For Abdul, a visit from local police to his AMEP class at NSF Fairfield campus last week made that dream feel much closer.

The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and supports the English language settlement needs of migrants and refugees. This year marks 26 years of NSF delivering the program and empowering students in their settlement journeys. NSF currently delivers the program in South West Sydney and the ACT.

The Q&A with Senior Constable John Wiling and Community Liason Officer Susanne Jabur was organised by NSF Youth Class trainer Camilla Portela with NSW Police to improve trust between her young students and the police.

“You’ve got to realise that for some of our students the police are seen as control and punishment, based on their previous experiences in their home countries,” Ms Portela said.

“That totally affects how they are perceived.”

The hour-long session was attended by around a dozen students of the NSF AMEP Youth Class, and no questions were off the table.

Initial shyness gave way to an influx of questions from the curious, engaged class. Some students, including Abdul, asked the officer about future careers in the force and had the opportunity to connect one-on-one after the session ended.

Senior Constable Wiling told students about his first-ever shift as a police officer when he attended a fatal car crash and how he deals with the trauma he sees at work when he is at home as a dad.

Ms Portela said his frankness helped build a bridge with her young students.

“Both groups were very vulnerable that day, very honest with each other,” Ms Portela said.

“Senior Constable Wiling dropped down his guard and the kids dropped their guard. It was pretty special.”

“It’s really important that the police do represent the community. The importance of refugees in this community is recognised by our police command and it’s something we celebrate.”

Senior Constable John Wiling

Abdul said the session made him feel more passionate than ever about a career in the force.

“We haven’t seen friendly police officers like this, in Afghanistan it’s not like this, you can’t speak to Afghanistan police,” Abdul said.

“So, to come here and talk with us and allow us to ask any question I was really happy with it.”

S. Constable Wiling said he encourages young people like Abdul to pursue careers within the community, like policing.

The session also helped students like Safa, who is in Australia on a partner visa, navigate Australian law.

“It’s important because here in Australia a lot of laws are different to my country,” she said “He answered everything we asked him. Maybe if I have a problem or something now, I’ll go to the police station. I feel I can trust them.”

“Presenting ourselves in a comfortable environment breaks a lot of barriers, Community engagement is a big part of our role, particularly in Fairfield.”

Susan Jabur, Community Liason Officer