When Zainab Ibrahim first came to Launceston she was scared, lonely and unsure of what was next.
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Now, her future is looking brighter than ever and Mrs Ibrahim says she has The Mish Youth Centre in Launceston to thank for her success.
A migrant from Nigeria, the 27-year-old came to Tasmania in 2015 on a student visa with her husband Ibrahim Ahmed and then one-year-old daughter Zarah.
With her husband completing a PHD in agriculture at the University of Tasmania, Mrs Ibrahim said her first few months in Launceston were “not easy”.
“When we first came here I was so sad and so lonely,” she said.
“I was missing home, missing everything I knew and especially my family.
“It was very scary you know, to be in such an unfamiliar environment.”
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With a passion for hospitality, Mrs Ibrahim was determined to gain full time employment.
But speaking little English and with minor experience to her name she found it hard to “breakthrough” – until she found City Mission.
Through The Mish’s hospitality training program, Mrs Ibrahim was able to gain the skills she needed, including how to make a “mighty fine” latte.
“I have always had a passion for hospitality,” she said.
“When I first went to The Mish, they were not worried about my background, my education or my experience.
“They didn’t care where I came from, the focus was where I was going.
“Everyday I was there I started to get to know more and more people.
“I hadn’t been able to get a job, because I didn’t have any experience.
“I don’t have enough words for my appreciation of them.
“They helped me with my family and they helped me with my future.
“They were also pushing me, telling me I could do it – and I did.”
In November, Mrs Ibrahim’s hard work paid off when she landed a job at the cafeteria at Launceston General Hospital.
City Mission’s Team Leader for Youth Services Alex Chee said it was wonderful to see her excel at what she was passionate about.
“For many people, entering the workforce can be really difficult,” he said.
“But seeing her interact with members of the community at The Mish, she really began to open up and this incredible personality appeared.
“She became so much more assertive and really started to challenge and put herself out there.
“She deserves all of the success in the world.”
While Mrs Ibrahim still misses her family in Nigeria, she said she was very happy living in “peaceful and friendly” Launceston.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
