Settle Well students share their journeys through the Human Library Project
Last October, our Settle Well students at North Geelong Secondary College took part in the inspiring Human Library Project.
Last October, our Settle Well students at North Geelong Secondary College joined their classmates during the school’s Multicultural Festival to take part in the inspiring Human Library Project.
Students shared their personal stories, inviting peers and the wider school community to listen, learn, and build deeper understanding through lived experience.
What is the Human Library Project?
The Human Library Project is a storytelling initiative where CCV Settle Well students share their identity, culture, and lived experience by becoming “human books”.
Students participate in public speaking training, mentoring, and leadership sessions that build confidence and support them to share their stories with care, strength, and authenticity.
For Settle Well students, many of whom came to Australia as refugees or asylum seekers, the project created a safe and empowering space to share their journeys in their own words.
All stories shared through the project were captured in a printed Human Library book titled The Long Road to Here.
Stories of courage, resilience, and connection
The stories shared were moving, courageous, and deeply powerful. They reflected the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding a sense of belonging, while also celebrating hope, connection, and resilience.
As our CEO Agnes Sheehan reflects in her foreword to the book:
“These stories remind us that resilience, kindness and connection can help every young person not only find belonging, but also thrive.”
The stories also highlight moments of everyday kindness that make a lasting difference.
In these pages, you will also hear stories of kindness, friendship, and connection, and the hope that comes from knowing you are not alone
“I hope that when others hear my story they realise that life gets better and there will always be people who can listen to you and support you,” a student shared.
Thank you to our students and partners
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students who spoke so bravely and openly, and to the Principal and leadership team at North Geelong Secondary College for creating space for refugee and asylum seeker young people to be heard.
We also acknowledge MP Ella George for her ongoing advocacy and support of this program and the young people it uplifts.
A special thank you to Nestor Estampa, Program Lead for Settle Well, whose leadership, dedication, and care continue to shape meaningful opportunities for young people to share their voices and build a sense of belonging through initiatives like the Human Library Project.
It is an honour to celebrate and share the voices of our remarkable Settle Well students. Their stories remind us of the strength found in diversity, compassion, and connection.
As Agnes shared, “may these stories not only inspire you but also call you to join us in our mission to build thriving, connected communities where every young person has the chance to belong.”
Settle Well
An intensive school-based service and Women’s Group to support young people and their mothers thrive in their new community.
