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Refugee Week, 16-22 June, is an opportunity to discover and celebrate the contributions refugees bring to Australia. It’s a time for Australians to educate themselves about the issues that affect refugees and listen to the stories of those seeking asylum.
The theme for Refugee Week this year is ‘Finding Freedom: Families’.
To celebrate the week, Communicare’s Settle In program will be hosting an event at Gosnells RSL, 2 Mills Road in Martin, from 1.30-5pm on Saturday, 22 June.
The event will feature a Halal sausage sizzle, community stalls and information, Arabic coffee and Persian tea, and activities for children.
Settle In is a partnership between Communicare, ’54 Reasons’ and Centrecare and is available to individuals and families in the South-East and South-West metropolitan regions of Perth and Mandurah.
“In a world marked by displacement and the search for refuge, this year’s Refugee Week theme is Finding Freedom – with a focus on family – encapsulating the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience,” said Settle In Coordinator Farida Hani.
“This Refugee Week, we aim to shed light on the transformative power of familial bonds in the face of adversity and emphasise the crucial role families play in providing solace, support, and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.
“We all can get involved by holding or joining an event or activity to show our solidarity to those forced to flee their homelands in quest of safety and freedom.”
Communicare’s Settle In program supports individuals and families with information related to accommodation and renting, education, employment, training, community integration and navigating life in Australia.
Farida and her team facilitate social participation, connection and acceptance for individuals and the community.
“We aim to create community inclusion by working with humanitarian entrants and migrants to ensure they are empowered to gain independence and build strong connections in their new communities.”
Communicare Case worker Mo’ath Aleassa shared with a success story of how Settle In has worked to change a life and create a new future.
Karima arrived in Australia in 2022. She fled because of the war and conflict in Afghanistan, to seek refuge in Australia, hoping for a new beginning. However, the journey was fraught with challenges that tested her resolve at every turn.
Life in Australia was far from easy for Karima. Language barriers and cultural differences presented formidable obstacles, threatening to isolate her from her new community, adding to the weight of past traumas.
Through Settle In, she found a supportive network of people who offered guidance and encouragement every step of the way. It was through this program that Karima discovered the Driving Program, a pathway to empowerment and independence.
Settle In played a key role in Karima’s journey, providing her with the tools and resources needed to navigate the complexities of life in Australia.
Through the Driving Program, she received guidance and support in obtaining her driver’s license,
She is now socially connected with community through range of services and social groups and enrolment in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) helped Karima improve her English proficiency, fostering greater confidence and communication skills.
In addition, she was connected with the Multiculture Centre to find employment.
Karima now has dream to be fluent in speaking English, pursue her educational goals and seek new career opportunities. Settle In has equipped and empowered Karima with the required tools, knowledge, and life skills to continue her journey in Australia.
“I feel supported and more confident to face whatever challenges lie ahead and achieve my targets to become a beneficial member of the Australia Community,” Karima said.
Settle In continues to provide ongoing support and assistance to Karima, to build a safe, secure, and productive future.
To find out more about the Finding Freedom event, contact Farida Hani at: fhani@communicare.org.au or register online here.
Refugee Week Event
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