SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
EVIDENCE ONE | Testimonial from Danielle Parker, Team leader at The fOrT Youth Center.
Irene Bakulikira – Irene has been employed to work as a Youth Activities Officer at The fOrT Youth Centre, the City of Greater Geelong for the last 5 years. She has also been a volunteer on many projects and events.
Proven ability to lead diverse people and projects and Evidence of personal and social impact through leadership:
Irene is a member of the Multicultural Youth Leadership Committee for Geelong and is responsible for developing and implementing Multicultural events across the municipality. Irene has used her personal experience and journey to support Refugee and Asylum Seeker young people to celebrate and be proud of their culture. She develops a plan with the committee of young people, presents many ideas and uses her excellent communication skills to help the rest of the committee to develop theirs also. She delegates tasks to members, focusing on their personal strengths. She has been a positive role model to other CALD young people by taking every opportunity offered to her and facing challenges with determination and a positive attitude. Her success and pathways she has taken have inspired other young people to aim higher and develop their own aspirations with their personal goals.
Irene has been a key member in the STREETFACE Project, in which her photo was taken and a spiel about her was written. These photos were blown up to large sizes to then be placed on buildings across the Geelong municipality. This project was to raise awareness of Cultural Diversity amongst the broader community of Geelong and directly address issues faced by the CALD communities eg. Racism. She is also a member of the Human Library and is a ‘Living Book’. She uses this platform to educate others on the Refugee Experience. She confidently and generously shares her personal story of refugee camps, settlement, her culture, embracing Western Culture whilst maintain her own and her personal aspirations. The Human Library has presented at Refugee Week, provided professional development through the ‘Living Books’ to youth agencies/organisations and Victoria Police and at other cultural celebrations. (see project 1, Human Library).
Irene participated in a community consultation four years ago, interviewing over 100 CALD young people, we produced a written report with recommendations that have been used to guide program delivery for youth agencies/schools and we presented the finding in a live production using word, song, film and Irene performed a song at the end of the project to every audience. She has planned events representing other cultures, including: Refugee Week, Harmony Day, Cultural Diversity Week, Ramadan and the Multicultural Pako Festa. She uses her natural talent of singing/performing to engage young people into activities/programs and increase their connection to the community. She provides singing lessons to any young person aged 12-25 years to build their skills. She performs in a Theatre Group, which addresses issues faced by young people, including: Relationships, Alcohol and Drugs, Stealing, Self-Identity, Racism and Friendships. (see project 2, CALD).
Irene attends any professional development opportunities to expand her own knowledge and skills. This has included: Child Safe Standards, Event Management, First Aid and Conflict Resolution Training. She is currently involved in a project called, Safestreets in partnership with Barwon Community Legal Service, to develop a short film addressing key legal messages for young people from young people regarding, COVID-19, rights and responsibilities with police, rights and responsibilities with PSO’s and where to get free legal help. Irene is also involved in the ‘Adopt A Grandparent’ project, along with having participated in a cross-cultural program, with local Aboriginal young people. (see project 3, Adopt A Grandparent).
Regards.
PROJECTS
1) Click to read more about
Human Library
2) Click to read more about
CALD Project
3) Click to read more about
Adopt A Grandparent
EVIDENCE TWO | Testimonial from Dr. Dave Kelman, project leader at North Youth Theatre.
To whom it may concern,
I have worked with Irene Bakulikira for over five years on community youth theatre projects in Geelong in my role as Artistic Director of Western Edge Youth Arts and Project Leader for the Bluebird Foundation.
Irene has been a wonderful peer leader helping to engage and teach young people who are predominantly from refugee backgrounds in Corio and Norlane, economically disadvantaged areas of Geelong.
Irene has worked with her peers to create highly original music/theatre works that address racism and family violence. She has led drama-based education programs addressing these issues in disadvantaged state schools in Geelong and Melbourne’s west.
Irene has co-created and performed in a wide range of theatre works in a leading role. These works have included innovative street theatre at Geelong After Dark, major productions at GPAC and community-based works in Corio and Norlane.
Irene has engaged and inspired many young people and enabled them to explore and express their cultural identity through theatre. She is a charismatic performer and teacher who has been a lasting influence on the people she has worked with. Through her work, Irene has helped increase the diversity of the Geelong arts scene. The performance works she has helped to create have educated, informed and entertained thousands of people across the city.
Irene continues to be a leading figure in North Youth Theatre, a culturally diverse youth theatre (a project of the Bluebird Foundation) that is meeting on-line in these times of COVID-19 restrictions.
Irene is a future leader in the arts who has already made a significant contribution to improving the lives of many young people in Geelong.
Regards.
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2018 - 2K
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2017 - Geelong After Dark
Refer to
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2018 - Antigone
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2017 - Six Hours in Geelong
PROJECTS
EVIDENCE THREE | Testimonial from Sharon Shell, former Team Leader at Geelong English Language Center (GELC).
I had the pleasure of working with Irene during term four of 2018 and term one of 2019. During the time Irene worked alongside me, I implemented a Developmental Curriculum program, aimed at inspiring EAL students to engage in play-based learning and then transfer their improving oral language skills to a written form. Irene understood the importance of creating positive relationships with the students during activities where English was the common language. She participated in the free play and follow up structured activities with enthusiasm and positivity, encouraging the students to relax and take risks with their learning, which demonstrated a great degree of leadership and initiative. Student outcomes greatly improved because of their engagement and I credit some of this to Irene. The students’ improved in their ability to transfer their authentic experiences to their written work partly due to Irene’s hands-on approach and encouragement. The students followed her lead, keen to demonstrate their abilities and receive positive feedback. Irene easily related to the students, empathizing with their language struggles but always providing support and realistic and clear expectations. Students related to her well and although she always acted professionally, students tended to respect and feel comfortable around her.
During our time together, Irene often made suggestions, which I was able to implement. She had a great understanding of EAL methodology based on her own experiences as a student and her increasing knowledge of teaching, which resulted in a positive team relationship. Irene’s style complemented my inclusive classroom and I was able to utilize her strengths to support my own teaching methods and curriculum. The other MEAs working with me found Irene easy to work with and she became an unofficial mentor as she had firsthand experience of being an EAL student and overcoming the difficulties associated with learning English in an Australian school context. I had a multi-age class and Irene was able to mentor specific students and build up a relationship with them. With the benefit of speaking more than one language, she was able to translate and explain not only the academic requirements but also mentored these students to help them with social and emotional situations.
I have no hesitation in complementing Irene on her ability to demonstrate leadership abilities and build positive and productive relationships with students of all ages. She was a very welcome addition to my classroom and I found her to be a team player who strived to improve outcomes and identify the individual and group needs of students. I wish Irene all the best for the future and consider her a very motivated and inspiring young woman.
“Irene is a motivated young woman who has an ability to inspire students of all ages and provide support, empathy and mentoring. She easily gains the respect of those around her and works well in a team environment. Irene demonstrates great initiative and leadership qualities and has a confidence that is contagious and engaging. Her ability to work with others and guide them whilst setting a positive example is commendable. Irene has the capacity to mentor others and lead by example.”
PROJECTS
Laminating class learning tasks and
also did projects like translating
English dictionary words to Swahili.
EVIDENCE FOUR | Testimonial from Barbara Barry, EAL Coordinator at Northern Bay P-12 College.
As the coordinator of English as Additional Language Programs at Northern Bay College, I employed Irene Bakulikira as a Swahili speaking Multicultural Education Assistant (MEA) on a part-time basis in 2018 and 2019. Irene held down part-time role whilst continuing with her university studies. I would like to comment on Irene Bakulikira’s ability to lead diverse people and projects and develop confidence in others.
The main role of an MEA is to work with students in mainstream classrooms to support teaching and learning. Irene worked with students from Foundation to Year 8. Students were keen to be helped by Irene and her students developed a ‘can-do attitude’ towards their studies. Irene is a clear communicator whether speaking in English or her native tongue and students and staff relied on her to accurately translate lesson content. Irene set up college events such as family interviews and information evenings at the college and these events were well organized and successful. Representation from her community was always high confirming Irene’s ability to lead.
Irene is a leader of diverse communities in whom she develops confidence.
Reagrds.
![irene[2].jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51d839_b29cf28781694bfabfbeb3c8d79cd6ac~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_327,h_212,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/irene%5B2%5D.jpeg)
EVIDENCE FIVE | Testimonial from Janelle Hearn, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Community Worker.
I have known Irene for approximately 5 years. I have always known Irene to be a confident inspiring young person who has always given to greater good of the Geelong community. I have followed Irene’s amazing journey from High School to university and then as a colleague when she was an MEA at Northern Bay College.
Her leadership skills and ability to represent her community in a positive light are her true strengths. Irene’s leadership shines through as a talented musician, actor, public speaker, community advocate and as a future teacher. Her work at Northern Bay College has extended on her skills to help newly arrived Swahili speaking students to be supported in the classroom and to help them and their families connect with schooling in Australia. Irene went over and above to ensure our newly arrived students felt welcomed and supported and she instantly built a rapport with our families.
Irene has always been open to learning new skills and always made herself available to Northern Bay College to help out when required. She has tackled this role with true compassion and commitment to helping newly arrived students connect with a school in Australia.
I wish Irene well for her bright future ahead.
Regards.
Supporting EAL student
Click to read more about
NBC EAL Welcome Booklet
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I translated to Swahili language for families and students.
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Follow the black arrows.
PROJECTS
EVIDENCE SIX | Testimonial from Sandra Coombes, Multicultural Education Aide (MEA) at Northern Bay P-12 College.
To Whom It May Concern,
I have known Irene Bakulikira and her family since 2009, having worked firstly with her father at Geelong English Language Centre, then both Irene and her brother, since 2018, at Northern Bay College. She belongs to a family with very strong values, especially in education.
I have worked beside Irene as a Multicultural Education Aide. I have found Irene to be self-motivated, well organised and I have always been able to rely on her assistance and support in our work together.
Irene always participates and contributes positively, as she supports students from diverse backgrounds. Her immense talent as a singer and performer is also an attribute.
Irene is a confident, respected and hard working person. I believe that she will succeed in whatever she seeks to achieve.
Regards.
Click to read more about
NBC Swahili speaking
students
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Created a document with the names of Swahili speaking students at NBC.
EVIDENCE SEVEN | Testimonial from Cathy Lucifero, Manager at Big Childcare
To whom this may concern,
I would like to take this opportunity to express the leadership qualities demonstrated by Irene.
I had the privilege of working alongside Irene and not only was she a mentor and guide for the children but she also was a tremendous assistant for myself. Her leadership skills allowed me to have the time to focus on other areas as she was able to demonstrate her capabilities of taking on a leadership role.
She has a very calming nature which everyone responds to. Her communication skills, both with her peers and children, are outstanding as she is able to understand and have empathy for others that may need her assistance. She has guided children’s behaviour by instilling routines that have empowered them to take ownership of their learning and development.
She uses her initiative in all areas of her work which led us to having a very organised program. She demonstrated her leadership skills in following our planning, organising and implementing experiences for children which in turn resulted in achieving learning outcomes for them.
Regards.
EVIDENCE EIGHT | Testimonial from Brandon Dellow, Youth Activities Officer at The fOrT Youth Centre.
To whom it may concern,
It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge and applaud Irene’s leadership skills she has demonstrated across the Geelong region within the five years of knowing her. I would like to highlight some of the significant contributions she has made to her community.
I have had the pleasure of witnessing Irene grow into a responsible, mature, and adept leader amongst young people. Within her role at The City of Greater Geelong, Irene has demonstrated leadership by being an integral member of the Multicultural Youth Leadership Committee at The fOrT Youth Centre. Irene engages in community programs and events to help aide in the education and connectedness of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Geelong. Such examples include the Refugee Week Film Festival held at Village Cinemas Geelong, Harmony Day, World Refugee Day and Cultural Diversity Week Celebrations. Irene has selflessly exposed her raw emotions and experiences as a refugee to connect, collaborate and inspire those who are in attendance.
Irene continues to build many of the young people’s confidence and ability at The fOrT Youth Centre to perform. Her charismatic and affable personality truly connects to young people’s nature. Irene continues to be a positive role model at The City of Greater Geelong and in many ways as a competent leader. Irene is aware that relationships must develop first before trust is earnt. Irene’s ability to lead and allow the young people around her to grow is her ability to influence and perform in drama. Irene’s involvement in the Western Edge Youth Arts group has allowed her to educate young people on her own experiences of racism and discrimination, and how to then twist the conversation into one that is constructive rather than destructive.
In Irene’s capacity as a community campaigner, she is also a respected member of the multicultural community in Geelong, where she has formed and linked new arrival refugees to the broader Geelong community. Irene is a very hard-working, dedicated member of society who can do great things. Irene’s critical approach to planning and organisation does not just take into achieving a goal, but instead the process of transformation from beginning to end. This can be seen in Irene’s significant contribution to The fOrT Youth Centre’s Human Library, where a number of refugee young people are the books for people from the community to borrow and learn the story. The process that occurs in between was what Irene wanted people to reflect on truly; the process of any biases or stereotypes changing throughout the conversation.
Without a doubt, I believe Irene’s leadership capacity empowers the young people she works with for them to then develop into young leaders.