One thing you remember about ASeTTS CIVAL Program
What I remember most about the CIVAL/ ASeTTS Community Leadership Program is the incredible sense of unity and dedication among the participants. I loved the fact that all of us were community leaders with migrant backgrounds, coming together every Saturday to learn, share experiences, and develop skills. It wasn’t just about attending sessions; it was about showing our commitment to our communities by giving up our weekends to grow as leaders. The diversity of people in the room, combined with the passion everyone had for helping their communities, made it a truly inspiring space.
One thing that was useful that you took out of the CIVAL Program
It’s difficult to choose just one thing because every session provided valuable knowledge and practical skills. However, the workshop on grants really stood out for me. It gave me a deeper understanding of how to access resources to support community initiatives and projects. This is something that can make a real difference in the work we do as community leaders, because having the skills to apply for funding means we can turn ideas into real programs that directly benefit people. Learning how to navigate this process made me feel more confident about supporting my community in more sustainable and impactful ways.
What part of CIVAL Program had the biggest impact on you or stayed with you.
The biggest impact for me was realizing that, even though we all came from different countries and cultural backgrounds, many of our challenges, needs, and goals were similar. We were all working hard in different ways to improve the lives of people in our communities and to create better opportunities for migrants and culturally diverse groups in Australia. That shared experience reminded me that leadership is not about working alone, but about finding common ground and collaborating with others. It gave me a sense of belonging and hope, because I saw that together we are stronger, and together we can create lasting change.
Your message to future CIVAL participants
My message to anyone considering joining the CIVAL/ ASeTTS Community Leadership Program is simple: if you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate, take it! This program is a unique chance to gain knowledge and skills that will support not only your community leadership journey but also your personal growth. The sessions cover so many important aspects of leadership, and the connections you build with other leaders are just as valuable as the knowledge you gain. Being part of this program will open your eyes to new perspectives, give you tools to make a bigger impact, and inspire you to continue giving back. The benefits go beyond community work; they stay with you in every part of your life.
