Marianna Jerbic

Bilingual Health Educator
Language(s): Croatian

I have worked as a Bilingual Health Educator at MCWH since 1999, conducting health promotion sessions for women in my community on a range of women’s issues.

My aim is to encourage and empower all women, not just women in the Croatian community to be knowledgeable about their own health. I provide information on many health issues including mental health, reproductive health, drugs and alcohol, diabetes, and occupational health and safety and other workplace issues.

This exchange has a positive impact on women in the community. Women’s capacity to talk openly about sensitive issues increases, as does their leadership roles with family, friends and other women. The opportunity to learn and spread knowledge, lift taboos about sensitive health issues, and reduce mental and physical isolation, can only be achieved with encouragement, and by sharing experiences without the fear of judgment.

I am professionally trained as a Bilingual Health Educator. My other qualifications include a BA in Social Science, an Associate Diploma in Social Science and a Community Development Diploma from Victoria University. I also possess a Community Language Program Certificate from the Cancer Council Victoria. I have worked with communities and within various industries utilizing my languages and health education skills for many years. I also work as a home tutor and in health promotion and education roles with other organisations.