Refugee Week

With Courage Let Us All Combine

On the 22nd of June, the Melton City Council held a Refugee Week celebration at the Melton Community Hall.

Sakir Nawaz (9.4), Sharie May Castillo (11.4), Christine Papalii Seu (11.4) and John Riak (11.5) were accompanied by Ms. Felicity Hemiak, the EAL Coordinator, and Ms. Yvette Medina.

Several speakers were present to share their amazing refugee stories.  First was Mr. Abdi Aden, the author of 'Shining - The Story of a Lucky Man'.  He came and spoke to our Year 8 cohort several months ago.

You may also know of him from the documentary 'Go Back to Where You Came From'.

The second speaker was Ms. Samia Khochaba, a Syrian refugee.  And last but not least was Ms. Mahshid Bazartabi, an asylum seeker from Iran.

When asked about what they thought of the speakers and their stories,  Christine said, "It was inspirational for everyone who feels left out."

John said, "It was eye opening and educational".

Sakir said, "It was for everyone (not just refugees)".

Christine spoke highly of Ms. Khochaba, who had left a 15 year career as a lawyer, and how she has reinvented her life here in Australia.  Sharie added,  "Often, we don't want to go out of our comfort zone. And I think it's really brave of her... doing that."  Everyone agreed that she was brave to be so confident.

John had an opportunity to speak to  Mr. Aden. "Abdi's kind of like me. He was alone in Australia coming here. And when he told me what motivated him, it got to me."

Mr. Aden told John that , "...he's got nothing to lose."