Cringila Women’s Futures

Guest Speaker 

Our Guest Speaker from a multicultural background was Mervat Abdel Karin who is originally from Egypt.  The participants asked a series of open questions in turn and this was a very informative session for everyone.  Highlights include -  

• Where did you grow up? 
• In Egypt – it was like Australia is now pre 1950 
• I learned English at High School plus French 
• What was your first job in Australia? 
• Working as a receptionist at Illawarra Multicultural Services in Wollongong 
• What kind of work do you now? 
• I’m a Community Worker working with the Muslim community for Illawarra Muslim Women’s Association based in Cringila.  We have excursions, markets, English classes.  Every Thursday we have at 10am Exercise Classes; 11am we have a Professor from Canberra University teaching English Conversation 
• Also a Computer Laboratory – all women are welcome to use this facility.  The Computer Lab is available for all women to use Mondays all day, Thursdays after 12, 
• What qualifications do you have now? 
• Diploma/Certificate IV Community Welfare 
• Why did you apply for the job you have now? 
• In Egypt I had a Commerce and Foreign Trade Degree – worked in a Bank – a Degree qualification from University of Cairo.  I didn’t work in Australia till the kids grew up.  We moved from Sydney 2 years ago to Wollongong area. 
• I originally Volunteered at Illawarra Muslim Women’s Association and was successful in gaining employment with IMWA.