Refugee Migrant Children Centre in Sunshine, Victoria | Charitable organisation

Refugee Migrant Children Centre

Locality: Sunshine, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9028 5255

Address: 21A Sun Crescent 3020 Sunshine, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.rmccaustralia.org.au

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• Non-profit organisation
• Education
• Charitable organisation
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 Thank you to The Reject Shop for donating these drawing and learning materials! Access to books and educational materials at home is a crucial part of keeping kids engaged in their learning, even beyond lockdown. This will allow the younger kids within our programs to build a curiosity and love for discovering new things, a crucial part of their education as they continue to learn and grow

24.01.2022 During these testing times, our staff and volunteers are working hard to support our RMCC children and families to continue thriving within school and life. Cultural and language barriers in combination with the pandemic have amplified isolation and added additional strain due to having to learn in isolation without adequate support and resources. We are doing everything within our power to make sure no one is left behind and support new referrals. Demand for our services has... increased although donations have drastically decreased due to the situation we all now find ourselves in. We will be sharing the journey we are going through over the coming weeks. Thank you for the support

24.01.2022 Half of the kids RMCC supports do not have internet or technology to access their education and our programs in these times of remote learning. A new study has found many teachers believe students were not well prepared for remote learning, especially students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. A lack of technology and internet connectivity is a significant factor. ... No child should be left behind because their family doesnt have the financial means to ensure their future holds the same opportunities as kids from more well to do families.

24.01.2022 This #volunteer_week, we recognise the unwavering commitment and dedication of our volunteers Thank you for the hours you spend mentoring and inspiring the kids and families we work with. For ensuring that kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds arent left behind. For making sure every child we reach has the learning materials they need to succeed.... For working behind the scenes to support our programs and mission. You are the lifeblood of #RMCC. To join our volunteer team and make a positive difference in the lives of refugee and migrant kids who now call Australia home, please contact us at [email protected]

23.01.2022 I'm not always the best with my words. This is not perfect and long, please bear with me. This will make some people uncomfortable, I have had my sanity questioned by some in the last day, I have only wanted to be open and honest. And they all come from a good place because the world is what it is. Thank fudge for Peter Harmer is all I can simply say otherwise I would have believed them I went a bit off script there Peter sorry lol... But what is important are the kids, those from refugee and migrant backgrounds like myself who have felt a bit lost, out of place and just want to be happy and be part of making this country a better place. Please share, tag, comment, whatever because if you don't pay a lot for it then FB want show it as much. And if you can, please donate. #NoKidLeftBehind #mentalhealthmatters #refugeeswelcome

23.01.2022 If you look up DEDICATION in the dictionary, youll find these faces. Our volunteer mentors are critical to RMCCs programs. Their energy and encouragement are why RMCC kids love our programs. Over school holidays our weekly programs take a break, and so do mentors - usually. BUT NOT THIS LOT. ... When lockdown began in March they worked tirelessly through their break to help us translate our programs into an online forum. Thank you, wonderful mentors, for your unwavering commitment to kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Youre the best! If youre interested in becoming a volunteer, click here https://bit.ly/2AkDNsD

22.01.2022 This is a time where RMCC wants to be there for its kids and families more then ever. Kids are not able to learn, connect with their RMCC mentors, our programs or have the access and connections they need to grow as people. One of the schools we work with was supplied with one laptop from the government for a low-socioeconomic school of over 1000 students. Teachers and RMCC aren't able to reach their students, but we are trying our best to make sure they don't fall through th...e cracks. Your donations are going towards technology, internet, program materials, volunteer training, petrol, learning resources, and keeping RMCC's lights on. No kid should be left behind.

21.01.2022 Though Refugee Week is officially over, we mustnt forget that ALL year round people are living in limbo all over the world, waiting for security and a place to call home. At RMCC we connect with the new members of our community, and those still trying to find their way through the maze of mixed expectations and narrative. We celebrate the knowledge, skills and experience they bring us. Their contribution to Australia's culture and economy. ... Their dedication to learn new skills and give back to our communities. We welcome the new perspectives they provide, Their generosity of spirit, And their patience. The kids in RMCC's programs are our future leaders, and we're proud to support them as they strive to excel. We can't wait to see what they achieve. We'll be cheering for them all the way.

21.01.2022 Two boys aged 5 and 7 today received these Chromebooks plus free internet access for 12 months. Their parents fled Sri Lanka 13 years ago due to persecution and remain without working rights or welfare support today. They are so strong and resilient. The kids are enrolled in school, but without a laptop or internet, they're unable to participate in remote learning since March this year. They are so excited to connect back in with their education and meet their RMCC mentors.... These are just two kids you're helping by donating to Tech to Connect. There are many more waiting. Please donate today.

21.01.2022 We’re grateful to receive a $5,000 donation from IAG. The donation was given as a parting gift to their CEO, Peter Harmer, who retires from IAG next month. Thank you to Peter and the IAG team who have been massive supporters. IAG has been a selfless organisation committed to doing good without asking for anything in return. Legends <3

21.01.2022 Storytelling is such a big part of passing life lessons on to others and the next generation. With our RMCC kids and mentors coming from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, we can all come together and share our different experiences through stories. Each week we hear so many stories that are shared through our programs. These stories build connection and understanding as the RMCC kids navigate their settlement journey.

19.01.2022 It’s World Teachers’ Day in Australia Today we celebrate our teachers who went above and beyond not only educate but to inspire our children to make sure they continue their education through this year. We also celebrate our staff and volunteers who’ve been working hard to support our children and provide them with educational and mental support every day through our programs.... We are so grateful for your hard work and dedication Today, and every day we say Thank You

19.01.2022 Teenage brothers from our Sidekicks Seniors program, in years 7 and 8, are amongst the kids who have received Chromebooks and internet access thanks to generous Tech to Connect donors. They've had no access to computers or internet since March, but they haven't given up, trying to learn as best they can using their parent's phone. We're inspired by their determination. To help more students like them, please donate at t2c.rmccaustralia.org.au

19.01.2022 Sabrina has been a long serving mentor with RMCC and has been a huge support to many RMCC kids through the years. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her biggest concern for the kids RMCC supports, in the wake of Melbourne's lockdown extension.

19.01.2022 Coming from a refugee background and the struggles and complexities that brings, I am still very aware of my privilege being white. Learning starts through listening. Yet when we respond to Black Lives Matter with All Lives Matter, we hijack the subject and shift the focus of a conversation that must be had for those voices that need to be heard. Racism in Australia is real and pervasive. The children and families we work with have countless stories of racist attacks and disc...rimination. And thats just the face-to-face prejudice. It doesnt begin to cover the unconscious bias some of our kids are fighting against. The young kids in our programs are working so hard to build a new life in Australia. They have every right to belong, like all of us. I see the additional complexities I didn't go through. If we dont listen, we cant learn. And if we dont learn, we cant create change. - Alice Wojcik, CEO & Founder

18.01.2022 Bored? Instead of eating your way through your pantry contents, why not turn them into games instead? The Spaghetti Tower Marshallow Challenge is always popular with our Sidekicks Junior kids. It promotes teamwork and is a great way to pass a rainy afternoon.... Google it, give it a go and post your photo in the comments!

17.01.2022 To make school holidays in lockdown a bit more entertaining, our RMCC kids will be receiving school holiday packs. Our Sidekick Juniors are receiving a salad kit and a pancake kit to put their cooking skills to the test, and some adorable Jungle Art Packs created by Dawn Tan which teach them about Henri Rousseau and his love for the jungle and animals. Our Sidekick Seniors kids are also receiving a pancake kit, plus a recipe book of other delicious treats they can make if the...y're feeling inspired. And all the kids are getting instructions on how to make Slime. Sorry parents!!.

17.01.2022 School is back, but the challenge isn't over. While anxious parents want their kids to catch up on lost learning, many school communities face a bigger immediate priority - trying to prevent the kids that COVID left behind from disengaging from school altogether. Read how we're helping kids re-engage with their learning so we can move onwards and upwards, together.... https://rmccaustralia.org.au/school-is-back-the-first.../...

15.01.2022 Kids from refugee backgrounds can have gaps in prior education when starting school in Australia. On top of classwork, theres a new language, a new culture, and a new school system to navigate. When the virus hit, many kids in RMCCs programs lacked the technology or internet they needed to learn which widened the learning gap even more. RMCC responded by adapting its programs to ensure no kid is left behind.... This meant delivering learning materials to every door, every week while we worked to provide technology and internet access to all the kids in our programs. Technology is a necessity to learn today, and our work continues to support more kids online. Were also operating key programs during these school holidays to ensure each RMCC kid receives the education they deserve, but have not been able to access recently. You can support RMCC kids by donating here: https://bit.ly/31spkpB

15.01.2022 It's Children's Week - which means there are lots of fun, free family activities happening near you! Click on the link below to search for activities happening in your neighbourhood. https://www.education.vic.gov.au//childrensweekevents.aspx

15.01.2022 Baking? Exercising? Movies? Zooming? What's your budget-friendly tip for staying positive at home?

15.01.2022 The mother figures in our RMCC kids lives are real life super heroes. Some of our Sidekick Junior kids had some fun putting together cards to express exactly how much they mean to them. Thank you to all of the wonderful mums who add happiness and joy to our lives <3 From all of us at RMCC, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

14.01.2022 As Australia prepares for Black Lives Matter protests, our Indigenous, refugee and migrant communities wonder why yet again its taken a death on American soil to get us talking about racism. Rallies and social media blackouts raise awareness but continual, individual actions can be even more effective. Here are 8 actions we can all take to fight racism in Australia https://bit.ly/2ABxaCc

12.01.2022 It really does take a village Our RMCC family are nothing short of amazing. Recently our mentors (Sidekicks) won the We Are Brimbank Learning Excellence Award for 2019. ... They have been recognised for their contribution to the ongoing education, learning and engagement of our RMCC kids throughout the whole Brimbank municipality. It takes selfless individuals to create change and we are so grateful to have the RMCC community around us to make this happen

12.01.2022 THANK YOU, OUR RMCC COMMUNITY 18 computers with free internet going out this week, giving 12 months of access to remote learning and RMCCs weekly programs. There are still many kids needing support and with your help we can make it happen. The last few months have been so tough and isolating for the kids we work with. It has been heartbreaking to see. Your support is changing this.... Beyond lockdown, access to technology is a fundamental need for kids education and setting them up for the working world. Learn more at t2c.rmccaustralia.org.au P.S apologies for the shakes, anxiety is at a high these days as we deal with the ins and outs of our work - Alice

12.01.2022 I'M AUSTRALIAN TOO! This book by much-loved childrens author Mem Fox celebrates the vibrant cultural diversity that migrants and refugees have brought to Australia. In our Side by Side program the kids read it and then worked with their mentors to create their own pages, which we collated into a book.... See comments below for a video of this beautiful book read aloud.

11.01.2022 There are many ways you can support RMCC during lockdown. Money isn't the only thing that we need to empower our RMCC kids. It takes a village to support a child and there are many different roles we play in making that happen. Our RMCC community makes it all possible

10.01.2022 How long have you or your family called Australia home? Were you or your parents born overseas? Or has your family been here for several generations? Or are your here contributing to the future of Australia on a temporary basis? Tell us when you or your ancestors arrived in Australia, and from which country they traveled. Or are you Indigenous, and the founders of this land that we all love upon?

10.01.2022 Beautiful words of encouragement to RMCC kids from a Tech to Connect donor! By donating to our Tech to Connect appeal, you can help give children from refugee and migrant backgrounds the access to technology and RMCC support they urgently need.

09.01.2022 Were in awe of our RMCC kids. Remote learning was a challenge for all school kids but imagine how much harder it is if English isnt your first language, you dont have the technology needed to access your lessons, or your parents arent able to help you with your work? Time after time, our kids rise to these challenges. To provide extra support during these times, Porto Sano donated money, The Reject Shop Head Office donated school materials, and UniMelb Bhakti Yoga Club ...donated mindfulness sessions. On behalf of the kids, we thank you.

05.01.2022 Happy International Day of Friendship! Adjusting to life in a new country can be an isolating experience. Thats why our weekly sessions dont just bridge the learning gap but help to build lifelong friendships and support networks for all involved. Each week kids and their mentors come together, learn from each other and meet others who have experienced similar journeys. Connection to others is an integral part of our wellbeing.

04.01.2022 Its more than a snack. Its science! This weeks learning materials for the kids in our Sidekick Juniors program included a can of Pringles. Why? So they could undertake the Pringles Ring STEM Challenge.... The kids had to carefully stack Pringles into a complete circle. No glue or props allowed! Many schools we work with lack the resources and funding to establish STEM programs, so we add these activities whenever we can. Its a fun way to introduce kids to notions of engineering, architecture, designing and science. It also helps them develop problem solving skills and strategies as they trial different designs. And its a delicious way to spend time with the family.

04.01.2022 These two sisters arrived in Australia about a year ago. Theyve been #learning_English and as soon as restrictions lift, they will start #school for the #first #time in the Australian mainstream school system. They were super excited to receive their #school_bags, #learning_materials, and #lego this week to keep them engaged in learning in the interim.... #NoKidLeftBehind #RMCC

02.01.2022 Our office is closed, but our support continues. As an essential service we are still here serving our kids each week, although doing it remotely from a safe distance. Being there for the RMCC kids has never been more important than right now. ... We are just a phone call or message away. Stay safe everyone

02.01.2022 Happy Easter from all of us at RMCC <3 If you are celebrating we hope you are surrounded by your loved ones. Stay happy, safe, and stay at home if you can!

02.01.2022 We created this colouring book so that every kid that opened it up would see themselves represented within it. Many books do not represent the diversity of our community. Representation and recognition of all cultures matters. You can buy your copy here. All profits go to RMCC's kids --->>... https://store.rmccaustralia.org.au/

02.01.2022 2020 has been a challenging year for us all. More than ever its a time to look out for each other, and especially for the next generation of kids who will lead Australia. Some of them are doing it really tough right now, and RMCC is doing what we can to help their voices be heard. With your support, kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds will thrive in school and life. And have hope.... Your donation is needed. Without it, our work cannot continue. A donation sends strength and hope. Please consider donating today. See more

02.01.2022 This card arrived in the mail today, and filled our hearts with joy. We'll get through these challenging times by working together and supporting each other. Every single donation makes a difference. Never underestimate the impact your support will bring to others; making a difference comes in all different shapes and sizes.... Thank you to our fantastic community. You make it all possible.

02.01.2022 If you think lockdown is hard, imagine enduring it without technology. In Victoria's first round of remote learning, 70% of the kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds supported by RMCC lacked the technology and internet they need to access remote learning. Their schools are doing the best they can, but kids are missing out. Without it, the kids can't access remote learning.... They're cut off from friends and family. They're left out, and left behind. By donating to our Tech to Connect appeal you can help give them the access to technology and RMCC support they urgently need. https://bit.ly/3kacfbN

01.01.2022 Not all schools have the resources to ensure each student has access to the technology and internet connection they need to learn from home and connect with their peers. Kids that have been cut off from their remote learning and RMCCs weekly programs are falling behind in their education and feeling the impacts of isolation. You can learn more about how RMCC is addressing this at t2c.rmccaustralia.org.au

01.01.2022 Students in our Sidekicks Senior program marked yesterdays National Sorry Day by reading the book Sorry Day by Coral Vass and reflecting on the Stolen Generation. As recent migrants and refugees to Australia, they respect and sympathise with the challenges that come from walking between two cultures; the culture of their heritage and birthplace, and the culture they live within today. RMCC commemorates National Sorry Day to acknowledge the strength of survivors of the Stolen Generation, and reflect on how we can all contribute to the healing process for our people and nation.