By Sarah Matthews 

Centre for Participation Micro Business Program graduates celebrated their success and sampled the fruits of their labour at a recognition day in Horsham.

The program, which launched in 2020, boosts the employability of culturally and linguistically diverse women and is in the running for a Victorian Learn Local Award this month. 

The program trains students specifically to start their own craft or culinary enterprise, but also gives them general employability skills. 

Areas covered by the Micro Business Program include market research, marketing and branding, digital and social media, applying for an ABN and business insurance, food-handling skills, customer service and barista skills.

Program facilitator Cecile Vence said the course’s curriculum enabled participants to ‘thrive in this amazing place’ while providing a sense of belonging.

“They are in a class where they are welcomed and accepted and it gives them a feeling of self-worth,” she said.

“Students didn’t only come to class to learn new skills. They attended the class because they wanted to gain confidence, be connected and to be part of any community events, which was really great. 

“Social inclusion was one of our objectives of this course and with the amazing stories shared by the students, I think Centre for Participation really did an amazing job in this aspect.

“We strongly believe that social connectedness and relationship building are truly important for our health and wellbeing.”

The recognition day included handing out of certificates, participants sharing their experiences and showcasing of products including food tasting.  

Karen Mae Argonista, of the Philippines, said she enrolled in the course to ‘get out of the house’.

“I was suffering from postnatal depression at the time and meeting new people and just talking to them helped me surpass those dark days,” she said.

“Not only did I learn new skills and knowledge, but I also gained friends who I now consider sisters.”

Karen woman K’lu Say Say said she planned to use what she learnt in the course to start a bubble tea and drinks business, while Vanessa Triana, Columbia, has become inspired to participate in more community-focused activities. Maria C. Mahmood, Philippines, thanked Centre for Participation for providing programs for migrants.

“We gained knowledge that surely we can use to help us find a career or start up our own business,” she said. 

“Aside from the skills that we gained, we also gained friends who made our training fun and unforgettable.”

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