2016 Lecture Series for People Seeking Asylum announced

The Lecture Series for people seeking asylum returns for its third year September 2016.

This year the lecture series is focussed on giving recent arrivals a better understanding of Australian history and contemporary society.

"In previous years there was always a big interest in learning more about Australia, especially Indigenous culture and history" said Charlene Edwards, executive officer at the Melbourne Social Equity Institute.

The series began in 2014 with the recognition that many refugees and people seeking asylum in the community didn't have the right to work or study, and were experiencing significant social isolation.

Previous attendees have said that they found it an "overwhelmingly positive experience".

"Before the lectures I heard that the University of Melbourne was very closed, no one can get in there. Afterwards I felt that everyone is friendly, so that was different from before", one attendee said.

The lecture series began as an initiative of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute and Researchers for Asylum Seekers. This year the Australian Red Cross are contributing time and expertise to ensure lectures are inclusive and relevant for attendees.

An evaluation of the 2015 lecture series is available for download.

The Lecture Series for People Seeking Asylum begins September 19. All sessions run 5.30 - 7.30pm on Monday evenings and are held in the Melbourne Law School.

Click here to download a printable flyer, with information on how to get to the University of Melbourne.

Dates:

Lecture 1: Indigenous histories
Monday 19 September 

Lecture 2: Immigration to Australia
Monday 26 September 

Lecture 3: Contemporary Australia
Monday 3 October 

Lecture 4: Languages
Monday 10 October 

Lecture 5: Australian systems: education and politics
Monday 17 October 

Lecture 6: Human rights and equal opportunities
Monday 24 October