When Abang Ojulu first connected with SydWest, finding employment felt like an uphill battle.
Despite her determination and willingness to work, limited employment experience and language barriers meant opportunity after opportunity seemed out of reach. But with the support of SydWest Youth Case Worker, Engela, Abang never gave up.
Recognising her potential, Engela referred Abang to The Social Outfit’s https://thesocialoutfit.org/ eight-week paid retail experience and mentoring program, which supports refugees and people from refugee backgrounds to gain valuable workplace skills and confidence.
Abang successfully interviewed for the program and was selected as one of only three female participants. Over the next eight weeks, she showed incredible commitment, turning up every day ready to learn, grow and take on new challenges through the paid retail work experience and customer service skills in The Social Outfit’s fashion store in Newtown, Sydney.
The hard work paid off.
Not only did Abang proudly graduate from the program, but she has also secured employment with The Iconic to begin her new role in November 2026.
For Engela, witnessing this milestone was especially meaningful. Attending the graduation ceremony and celebrating alongside Abang was a reminder of the life-changing impact that the right support and opportunities can have. Overcome with emotion, Abang was moved to tears by the encouragement she received and the journey she had achieved.
Stories like Abang’s remind us that when young people are given the opportunity to build skills, confidence and connections, they can achieve incredible things.
Congratulations, Abang. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.