Throughout the 2009/2010 summer holidays SpiritWest Services (SWS) is again running a summer sports program to engage the local Karen refugee community. This will be achieved through an introduction to and education around some traditional aspects of Australian life.

As part of the program, SWS have teamed up with VICSWIM and the Australian Karen Organisation to provide water safety and awareness program for 15 newly arrived Karen youth and adults.  The participants are taught by graduates of SWS’ Western Refugees Aquatic Program who are able to provide bilingual support to enhance their learning and introduction to aquatic environments. 

In addition to the introductory swimming lessons, the 15 adults were joined by 30 young people at Williamstown Beach for an open water learning experience conducted in partnership with Lifesaving Victoria.

The importance of such a lesson is most significant. Australian waters are like no other and often tourists and newly arrived migrants have no idea what to expect or the signs to look for when entering the ocean. The Australian ocean can be testing for even the strongest swimmer- as evidenced by the recent Royal Life Saving Society report which stated that in just 6 days there were 10 drowning deaths nationally.
It is these types of tragic events that highlight the value and benefit of the SpiritWest Services summer sports program, not only does the program provide entertainment and the opportunity to meet new people but also invaluable lessons about Australian life.

As part of the lesson the group were taught about sun protection, safe swimming practices, how to use paddle boards and lifesaving skills.

As well as sporting activities over 400 children, youth and adults of all ages are expected to attend English classes as part of the Karen Summer School program in Werribee.

At the end of the program the participants will take part in a graduation ceremony to celebrate their participation.