Karima arrived in Australia in 2022, fleeing the war and conflict in Afghanistan, seeking 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, and adding to the weight of past traumas.
Karima is one of thousands of people who will be celebrating refugee week next week, marking the contributions refugees bring to Australia.
This year’s theme is Finding Freedom: Families.
Through Communicare’s Settle In program, Karima found a supportive network of people who offered guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
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.
It was through this program that Karima discovered the Driving Program, a pathway to empowerment and independence, in which she received guidance and support to obtain her driver’s license.
She is now socially connected with community through a 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 dreams to be fluent in English, and pursue her educational goals to 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 Australian community,” Karima said.
The program continues to provide ongoing support and assistance to Karima, to build a safe, secure, and productive future.
“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,” Settle In coordinator Farida Hani said.
“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.”
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.”
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, June 22.
The event will feature a Halal sausage sizzle, community stalls and information, Arabic coffee and Persian tea, and activities for children.
