Through a program aiding newcomers in finding employment, a Burundi refugee from Kenya brings her past cafe experience to share her skills at Mt Gravatt College.
Douce fled the Republic of Burundi and found herself in Nairobi, Kenya, where she established her own cafe while awaiting her visa application. After being granted asylum in Australia, she joined Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) Work and Welcome program.
This initiative, a partnership with Multicultural Australia, aims to provide refugees and migrants with meaningful employment opportunities within the BCE network.
New Beginnings at Clairvaux MacKillop College
Since January 2025, Douce has been working as part of the hospitality support staff at Clairvaux MacKillop College in Upper Mt Gravatt. The college principal, Wayne Chapman, expressed that Douce is a valued and hard-working team member. He noted her positive attitude and contribution to the school’s tuckshop, highlighting the college’s role in supporting her integration into the Australian hospitality sector.
Douce has expressed appreciation for the supportive and inclusive environment at the college, where she has learned new skills. She also mentioned the students’ respectful curiosity about her life in Kenya.
Program’s Impact and Community Support
Enrique Ramirez Chavez, the BCE Work and Welcome Coordinator, stated that the program helps refugees recover their skills, confidence, and dignity. He revealed that over 16 refugees have benefitted from work experience with BCE since the program began in 2013, with many securing employment within BCE and other organisations. The program is fully funded by contributions from BCE staff.
The college principal also noted the importance of cultural diversity within the school community, stating that it enriches the learning environment and promotes student tolerance and empathy. He said that inclusivity is a core value at the school, in line with the traditions of Edmund Rice and Mary MacKillop. Douce now aspires to establish her cafe in Australia, using the skills she has gained at Clairvaux MacKillop College.
Published Date 24-March-2025