Living Justice, Living Peace 

This year's theme for Refugee Week is Finding Freedom, something that we take for granted or rarely consider as we know and live in a country where freedom is a human right.  

So, what does it mean to be truly free? It means living without the fear of war, having your basic human rights protected, and being treated equally without the fear of persecution. These are just some examples of what freedom can include. Every day, millions of people around the world take dangerous journeys in search of safety and freedom. Whether it's journeying to Australia or other countries, starting a new life after going through the challenges of being a refugee can also bring opportunities.

Through compassion and empathy, we can support refugees in their quest for freedom and integration into society. Refugee Week provides an opportunity to foster dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive and understanding community. 

On Wednesday 21 June we will be hosting 'Share a meal, Share a story' made up of recipes from Refugees. Each recipe will be cooked by staff and students and the story behind the meal will be shared over a three course meal. This will be an important lunch to allow us to reflect on the importance of freedom for all individuals, regardless of their background or origin.

School leaders will also be conducting a donation drive for the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project that will support those who frequent their centre in Melbourne.  

Whilst reflecting on freedom it is important to hear from someone firsthand on what it means to them.  Below is a story from the Refugee Week website by Refugee Council of Australia: 

Hanan (17 May 2023)

Hanan is from Jordan/Bosnia. This is what freedom means to her:

“When I was a refugee, I was treated like an alien and faced racism when I practised my traditional way of life, even in Australia. Racism exists in every country, but here I am protected by Australia’s legal system. It was not the case when I was a refugee.

I am free to wear my traditional dress here and I can speak my own language. Compared to the Middle East, where I lived as a refugee, I enjoy equal rights as a woman in Australia.

Here in Australia, as a woman, I manoeuvre my own life. I can have an opinion.

I find freedom in diversity when I mingle with women from different backgrounds. We dance and we celebrate together, and I feel welcomed and accepted. Diversity is what enables us to be ourselves; however, harsh immigration policies have harmed diversity as a core value of Australian society.

In my free time, I volunteer to support women from all backgrounds, and try to help them solve their problems. I am pursuing a career in nursing or psychiatry to support people in need.

From my cultural background, I have learned that money is not everything, but empathy is."

Brooke O'Brien

Living Justice Living Peace Leader and Co Student Agency and Voice Leader