Wellbeing
From Shaun, Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
Guest Speaker: Abdi Aden
Our Year 3–6 students recently had the privilege of meeting Abdi Aden, who shared his journey as a refugee from Somalia, his experiences escaping the civil war, and his path to success in Australia. Abdi also spoke about the importance of respecting others and standing up against racism. Inspired by his visit, 3C wrote letters to Abdi to thank him and share their key takeaways. Please see some of their thoughtful responses below:
My name is Ahmed. I wondered how you survived in the war. What did your house look like? What did you look like as a kid? I have so many questions. How did you make friends in Somalia? I am in Grade 3. My name is Ahmed, I like Sonic. Now that’s enough for today. See you later Abdi. I hope you read this letter.
From Ahmed
Hi my name is Andrezjah and I’m in the same class as Ahmed. And I was wondering how’d you survive in the war even though you have walked for so many miles and so many days. What did you eat? What was it like making friends in Somalia, was it easy or was it hard? And how many days did you walk for again? Did you walk for 9 months???? Cos if you did then how did you do that without starvation? Well thank you, from Andrezjah.
Thank you for coming and telling us your story. I like that you came and was brave telling your story. My favourite thing was when you told us that before you meet someone you say in your head that they are cool. From Mackenzie
Thank you. And the reason why I’m thanking you is because you basically just inspired everyone, and I mean it! You’ve even inspired my teacher and friends! I’m shocked that you went through all that without dying. But you’re not the only one. My dad who’s Vietnamese survived a war too! When he was 16, he went on a boat with 30 other people. Crazy right? And he didn’t eat for 10 or 11 days! He’s 60 now, has a family and is living a normal life! Just like he wanted! Anyway, hope you had a great time sharing with us!
From Avita. Thanks!
My name is Zema and I am from Ethiopia. What I really liked about your way of describing stuff. And the way you make us laugh I couldn’t stop laughing. And I am so sorry for your parents’ loss. Anyway, this was all about saying thank you soo soo much for telling us about your story. See you later bye.
From Zema
Thank you so much for telling your life story with us. My name is Ariungoo. I loved how you were so nice, funny and positive. When you told us about your story, I was so amazed and fascinated. You have inspired me to be brave and become a better person in this world plus I liked how everyone is cool. I also loved the baby and toddlers photos and I really appreciate it. From Ariungoo
Hi! This is Imran talking to you and I want to say a big thank you to you for telling us how to be a clever, cool person. I want to tell you that I am from Ethiopia. I really feel bad about what happened to you when you were 12. I think you are really good person to meet. I want to say your sons were so cute. Look at you, you’re such a good person. I hope when you are in Australia you are happy. I can’t believe you met the prime minister in real life. From: Imran
My name is George. I think that you are cool I like when you told me and the other people your store. I also like when you told us to always think positive about other people. It was a pleasure to meet you. From George
My name is Clancy. I’m sorry you’re by yourself in Somalia it could have been so hard. But thanks for coming this morning and i like how you call people cool.
From Clancy
Thank you for coming to our school. It was amazing. I have 3 reasons why I liked it you were very confidence a not shy traveling from a war country is very hard I understand like separating from your family. From Kiaan
Thank you for coming to our school. I liked how you described how you went from Somalia to different countries and arrived at Australia with different people. Thank you for coming and tell us what you have been for.
My name is Oliver, and I am grateful for you speaking in front of us. I think you were a great role model. Sincerely, Oliver.
Hi my name is Amaal I like how you shared you time and respect with my school and class. Your story was truly heart breaking. My dad Abdikam was in the war, and he was 10 years old and went to Australia with his aunty while his mum went to Saudi Arabia it was hard growing up without his mother. But I'll give you a BIG thank you. From Amaal
My name is Thea (Tay-ya) and I am from NMPS. This morning, I really liked the part where you said “Australia will give everyone their own ladder to climb. Never wait for the elevator.” I bet you felt really scared when you had to leave Somalia. I hope you have a happy life in Melbourne. Regards, Thea.
I hope you had an amazing time speaking to us. I learned not to be rude to other people even if they have different backgrounds, different skin colour or different religion as you do. Thank you so much for visiting the year 3s and the year 4s.
From Kako
Hello, my name is Nuqman thank you for speaking at our school and telling us how to be respectful. You also said everyone was cool. I was surprised when you went to Brunswick, Melbourne all alone. From Nuqman
Hello Abdi! My name is Jai. You were amazing in front of everyone. And the way you memorized everything was perfect! Your story was amazing! It would have been really scary. That’s all for now. Bye! From Jai
My name is Bil and I am from Mongolia. I wanted to say thank you for visiting us and sharing your story. I really like when you said, “I think everyone is cool.” Your message really wanted me to be a better person. From Bil
My name is Reggie I am a student at NMPS. I don’t know how you went into a war and came out so happy!!! I believe you truly inspired so many students today. Hope you come again soon. From Reggie
Hi my name is Holly. Thank you for very much for sharing your life story to us. You inspired me to do better. I also liked how you were funny. It was very interesting; my favourite part was when you talked about first hearing the bomb. It must have been scary and hard. I can’t imagine. From Holly
Thank you for coming to our school (NMPS) and sharing your story. It taught me how to become a better person and to be successful. From Grace