Marth Janro D. Ebora was 15 years old when he arrived in Australia from the Philippines in early 2023. He, his mother and siblings moved from Quezon City to reunite with his father, who had lived in Mildura for more than a decade through skilled migration.
Although Marth had learnt some English at school in his home country, he arrived with only enough to speak the basics – ‘hello’, ‘thank you’, ‘yes’ and ‘no’. His level of English improved after joining Mildura English Language Centre and the SMECC Homework Club. Now 17, he is well on his way to achieving his dream to be a fully qualified chef.
Over the past two years, Marth’s gained confidence in speaking has allowed him to make many friends in SMECC’s Homework Club. The differences in cultures and languages between the students did not make him shy away from communicating with others – in fact, he always made the effort to learn words and phrases in the mother tongues of his peers.
Marth says that he was happy and felt safe in Homework Club, which encouraged him to participate regularly. He says that SMECC youth programs not only gave him the opportunity to get additional support with his studies, but also learn about various life skills.
“They help with everything,’ Marth says.
“With daily lifestyle, school stuff, personal things, visas, house, school, and even with your parents they can help.”
When Marth joined Homework Club, he sought help with his learner driver practice tests. After a few sessions with SMECC youth facilitators, he successfully got his learner’s permit. He is now continuing his driving practice with a mentor through SMECC’s Driver Mentoring Program.
Marth then quickly focused on finding a job. With support from SMECC and SuniTAFE Skills and Jobs Centre, he created his first CV during a Homework Club session. The Homework Club not only helps students with their studies but also guides them in exploring career paths.
Marth’s dream was to become a chef, and with the support of SMECC youth workers Stephanie and Jackson, along with Mildura Council’s Youth Project Officer Barbara Clifford, he secured a full-time apprenticeship in the kitchen at The Corporate Moose in Mildura.
He often reminisces about his grandparents’ love for cooking traditional Filipino dishes like chicken adobo and is excited about his future in the culinary world.
To find out more information about SMECC’s Homework Club or one-on-one youth support, please text or email our youth workers.
Stephanie Thomson
Text 0478 435 274
stephanie.t@smecc.org.au
Jackson Mugenzi
Text 0469 319 374
jackson.m@smecc.org.au