The IEU has always been a strong supporter of Australia for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Incoming CEO Trudi Mitchell spoke to journalist Sue Osborne for this Q&A session.
What did you do before Australia for UNHCR?
I have worked at a range of not-for-profit organisations in management roles across strategy, innovation, leadership, public relations, communications and fundraising. Before joining Australia for UNHCR, I was Director of Marketing and Communications at the Cancer Council of NSW for five years. I joined Australia for UNHCR as the Deputy National Director in 2016. Earlier this year, I was appointed CEO.
How do you feel about stepping into this position?
I’m very proud to take on this role. As the national partner of the UN Refugee Agency, our focus is on raising awareness and funds for UNHCR’s work around the world. UNHCR is on the frontline of every major displacement crisis, helping millions of people each year with emergency aid and long-term support. With the number of people displaced around the world reaching a staggering 100 million earlier this year, the pressure on the UN Refugee Agency has never been greater.
Do you have resources or education outreach for teachers?
The UNHCR has excellent resources for teachers. You can find a collection of teaching materials on refugees, asylum seekers and migration for primary and secondary school students. There is also guidance for teachers working with refugee children.
What are your most pressing campaigns right now?
The Campaign for Refugee Education is very important. As UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said, “Education is an investment in development, human rights and peace. In the case of refugees, it is an investment in the people who will rebuild their countries of origin when they are able to safely return home”.
The 2022 UNHCR Refugee Education Report shows there is still a big gap between the number of refugees enrolled in school and the quality of their education compared to other young people. Australia for UNHCR supports refugee education through a number of projects, including funding a school in Uganda’s largest refugee settlement, Bidi Bidi. We also support a vocational training centre in Kyaka II refugee settlement in Uganda, which provides training programs to students between the ages of 15 and 25.
In Australia, we have partnered with the Public Education Foundation and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) to offer a person from a refugee background a scholarship to study at AFTRS.
These are just some of the important education programs we support to help displaced people build better futures.
How can IEU members help?
I’d encourage IEU members to raise awareness of refugees and share their stories wherever they can. They can also get involved in our fundraising campaigns such as ‘2 Billion Kilometres to Safety’. School groups participate in this campaign every year. As well as being active, children learn about the perilous journeys that refugees have taken and the challenges they have overcome. Students can walk or fundraise individually, as a class or as a school.
More information
Teaching resources:
unhcr.org/en-au/teaching-about-refugees.html
Learn more about Australia for UNHCR: unrefugees.org.au