ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

 

2014              Bachelor of Social Work, University of Tasmania.

2009              University Preparatory Program (UPP)

2008              Introduction to Computers TAFE Tasmania

                       Certificate III in Disability Services TAFE Tasmania

                       Certificate III in Spoken and Written English TAFE Tasmania

2007              Certificate II General Construction TAFE Tasmania

1992-1995    High School Diploma Ngoahun Refugee High School, Guinea Republic, West Africa

 

ACADEMIC AWARDS 

 

2012              University of Tasmania, The Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Award

2014              Faculty of Arts Dean’s Roll of Excellence Award, University of Tasmania 

2015              Golden Key International Honour Society Award, University of Tasmania

 

COMMUNITY WARDS

 

2014   Recipient of the Champions Award, Celebration of African-Australians Inc for my outstanding contribution to the African community development and      

            leadership in Tasmania

 

2014   A National finalist for the Pride of Australia Medal Award in the category of FAIR GO

 

2014   Winner and recipient of the Pride of Australia Medal Award in the category of ‘Fair Go’ for my contribution to the Australian community since my arrival in                Australia from Sierra Leone.

 

2014   Recipient of Citizen of the Year Award in Tasmania for my commitment towards the improvement of social inclusion and diversity in the state.                

 

2011   Recipient of Human Rights Award for my engagement with the Culturally and Linguistically

            Diverse (CALD) communities and my focussed on human rights activities in the wider Tasmanian

            Community.

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

• Chairperson of the Tasmanian Government Multicultural Policy Review Reference Group. Appointed by the Minister for community development to chair the Tasmanian multicultural policy review.

• People of Australia Ambassador. An Appointed by the Australian federal government to represent the State of Tasmania on grass-root multicultural issues

• Member, TACMA, appointed by the Premier of Tasmania to serve on the advisory board advising the Premier on multicultural issues

• Chairman of the Sierra Leone Liberian Union in Hobart from 2008 to 2012

 

 

CERTIFICATES RECEIVED

 

• Multiple certificates for my contribution to the Migrant Resource Centre Southern Tasmania

• Certificate of achievement for my Volunteer role with the Tasmanian Red Cross

• Multiple certificates for my contribution and role within the Glenorchy City Council

• Certificate of achiement for my contribution to the Hobart City Council and the Networking for Harmony within the Hobart City Council

 

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

• Deputy Director at the Kountaya Vocational Training Centre (IRC, GTZ School)

• Founder and Sponsorer of the Aladura Primary School in Buedu Town, Kailahun District, Republic of Sierra Leone, 

• Campaigner and Advocate for Human Rights and Social Justice. Recently led a massive campaign to raise funds and medical supplies to support the fight against the deadly Ebola virus that killed over 10 thousand people in West Africa.

 

 AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE

 

2013-2014   Community Engagement Officer        Australian Institute of Family Studies and  Colmar Brunton Social Research                       

Responsibilities:

• Engage with the New Emerging community as first contact to explain the project (Building a New Life in Australia) as a Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Program Migrants.

• Support the field researcher into reaching participants

• Report back to the head office in Melbourne on a weekly basis my progress and commitment in the project.

• Visit learning institutions and services to explain the project to new arrivals and staff

 

2013-2014    Student Engagement Leader - University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus

Responsibilities:

• Head of the Human Library program. I visit schools and grass-root level community organisations with university students to share our stories and educate them on our settlement experiences.

• Engage with new University students, especially the International students and those from the Culturally and Linguistically Background (CALD) to feel comfortable and part of the University.

 

2012-2013  People of Australia Ambassador - Australian Multicultural Council

Responsibilities:

• Represent Tasmania at a federal level on grass-root multicultural issues

• Attend state, community programs and visit schools and talk on grass root issues to enhance a cohesive and inclusive multicultural society.

• Summarise the views and recommendations I receive after attending event and report back to the multicultural council of Australia (AMC). The AMC will put all the recommendations in a report and send them to the Federal Parliament.

 

2013  Chairperson - Tasmanian Multicultural Policy Review Reference Group

Responsibilities:

• Chair meeting for the reference group to review the multicultural policy framework for all Tasmanians and encourage group members to express their expectations for the group

• Approve any communiqué  the group secretary write

• Liaise with organisations and service providers and welcome the full participation of members in exploring the cultural, social and economic opportunities that Tasmania offers.

 

2009-2013   Taxi Driver - (Part Time)  - Yellow Cab and Taxi Combined

Responsibilities:

• Drive with high regard for the safety and security of customers while driving them to their respective destinations. As a taxi driver, I am always aware of my role with regards to safety and security of my customers

• Represent the good image of the taxi companies and provide customers with the service they need

 

2011  Volunteer - Phoenix Centre Southern Tasmania

Responsibilities

• Support clients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, particularly those from refugee background

• Undertake research and analysis and assist in the preparation of cross cultural counselling seminars for service providers

• Support the Phoenix team in managing and conducting community-training activities.

 

2010-2011  Volunteer - University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay Campus

Responsibilities

• Support the Student Equity unit to conduct activities for University Preparatory Program especially for the CALD students community

• Assist international students in settling well into university life

 

2010-2011  Volunteer - Amnesty International Hobart Branch

Responsibilities

• Organise and conduct human rights rallies and hold stores in Southern Tasmania.

• Assist in organising activities to raise awareness on the plight of refugees and those in detention.

 

2008-2010   Volunteering - Migrant Resource Centre Southern Tasmania

Responsibilities

• Help organise Cross Cultural Training for service providers in Hobart

• Conduct community forums to air community concerns for refugees

• Participate in community activities including Cultural awareness Programs

• Advocate on behalf of clients and do follow up and give feedback to the office.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

• 2012 - 2014 - People of Australia Ambassador representing Tasmania on a federal level

• 2013 -  Chair of the Multicultural Policy Reference Group for the Tasmanian Government

• 2012 - 2013 - Member of Hobart City Council Networking for Harmony

• 2011 - Board member of the Tasmanian Advisory Council On Multicultural Affairs

• 2010 – 2013 - Member of Glenorchy City Council Cultural Diversity Council

• 2009 - 2010 - Member of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCoT)

• 2009 - Founding member of the African Community Council of Tasmania (ACCT)

• 2009 - Member of the community reference group for the MRC, Southern Tasmania

• 2008 - 2011 - Chairman of the Sierra Leone/Liberian community in Hobart  

 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS SUMMARY

• Well developed understanding of contemporary social work theories and the ability to incorporate these into social work practice, proven through excellent supervisor reports upon completion of placement

• Strong communicative skills developed when interviewing clients and presenting group work and

  attending to placement supervision

• Ability to practice in accordance with professional AASW Code of Ethics, including recording

  information impartially and respecting client privacy and confidentiality

• Ability for effective time management, administrative and problem solving skills as shown during

  placement while working in intensive care setting

• Effective teamwork skills, taking responsibility seriously and collaborate within a team

• Well-developed computer skills, ability to learn new skills and self-motivated and determined to grow

• Good nature with a genuine caring heart and inter-personal skills

• People oriented and reliable team member and ability to quickly adapt to change   

 

     For more information, please visit the following Links:

 

•  Specific coverage of my story by the ABC News Network in Hobart:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG4x-qedb-0#t=22

 

•   My visit to schools in Southern Tasmania with the message of inclusion and diversity:

         http://www.isaiahlahai.com/#!schools/csqv

 

•   More of my story can be read on-line at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-29/isaiahs-story/4039708

         http://www.themercury.com.au/news/pride-of-australia/isaiah-lahai-a-great-contributor-to-community/story-fnj8crhg-1227099871816

 

 

REFERENCES

 

Wanda Anne Buza

Deputy Director - Community Development

Communities, Sport and Recreation Division, Department of Premier and Cabinet 

Tasmanian State Government

 

Mr Matthew Hingston

Head – Student Advice team

Division of the DVC (Students and Education)

University of Tasmania

 

Mr Ansumana Usman Koroma

Policy Analyst 

Communities, Sport and Recreation Division, Department of Premier and Cabinet 

Tasmanian State Government