Asma’s Journey with The Welcome Table

At House of Welcome’s 25-year anniversary celebration, more than 150 people gathered to honour the community that has grown around welcome, dignity, and opportunity. Among the highlights of the evening was a deeply moving graduation moment, when Asma, a trainee from The Welcome Table, stepped forward to share her story.

“I wanted to speak to say thank you to everyone,” she said. “That is our cultural habit. When you have good environment, good person beside you, you should say thank you.”

For Asma, the journey to that stage was anything but simple.

A “Big Journey”

Asma describes her time in The Welcome Table’s catering training program in two words: a big journey.

“It is a big journey to work in a commercial kitchen, make a lot of stuff, running a lot of orders,” she shared. “You have many support in this organisation… they teach us a lot of things. I didn’t know these skills before.”

Like many people seeking asylum and rebuilding their lives in Australia, Asma entered the program facing both practical and emotional challenges. English was a barrier. The pace and standards of a commercial kitchen felt overwhelming. Stepping into her first job in a new country brought fear and uncertainty.

“When I first started, I felt scared working here,” she said. “This is the first job for me in Australia.”

But over time, that fear shifted.

“By the days go on, I feel more comfortable, more confident. I feel very happy.”

Learning Skills and Finding Confidence

The Welcome Table is more than a catering program. It is a place where people build skills, confidence, and community, often all at once.

For Asma, the impact was both professional and deeply personal.

“All things I learn here is very helpful for me because I am running a small business,” she explained. “It helped me with how to manage my orders, what I do first, what I do next.”

Asma runs Yafa Sweets, a small business selling Palestinian desserts at local markets. Through the program, she gained practical experience in food preparation, kitchen systems, and hospitality standards, while also strengthening her ability to manage and grow her own venture.

Just as important was the support surrounding her.

“They are very patient when we make a mistake. They don’t say anything bad. They just say you will do it better next time.”

From kitchen mentors to English language support and social-cultural learning, Asma highlights how every part of the program worked together to help her succeed.

“I cannot pass without the support,” she said.

From Isolation to Belonging

When Asma first arrived, she describes feeling alone. That changed quickly.

“When I came here, I felt alone. But then I came here and spoke to everyone… and felt very comfortable. Felt very kind. Here the environment is very beautiful.”

That sense of belonging is central to The Welcome Table, creating not just pathways to employment, but spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

“I tell my husband I hope to find this environment in my future job,” Asma said.

Looking Ahead

Today, Asma leaves the program not only with new skills, but with a renewed sense of possibility.

“This program made me more confident,” she said. “Now I feel more confident… hopefully find more job in commercial kitchen.”

Her ambitions are already growing.

“I hope to have a cafe. And hopefully I have same job like here.”

She is also exploring the idea of expanding into catering, building on everything she has learned through The Welcome Table.

A Moment of Celebration

As Asma stood at the 25-year anniversary event, speaking in front of a packed room, her journey came full circle, from fear and uncertainty to confidence and leadership.

“And feel sad because the program finish and I won’t see everyone here,” she reflected. “It’s a big journey.”

Her story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when people are given the opportunity, support, and dignity they deserve.

At The Welcome Table, that journey continues, one trainee, one story, and one future at a time.