International Stories

What is happening in Afghanistan?

By Perrin Theocarides, Year 12, The Ridgeway Campus and Jasmine Toronis, Year 12, The Ridgeway Campus

The situation in Afghanistan is complex and rapidly evolving as there is real fear around the unknown and uncertainty for what people will face under the Taliban regime. Based upon the past actions and current values of the Taliban, many fear that millions of Afghan people will live under a fundamentalist theocratic regime that will disregard many basic rights and freedoms of equality, education, and expression. 

With the withdrawal of Western troops and aid, our community can do very little to prevent this systemic change. However, we do have the ability to send support to the numerous non-governmental organisations providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. Through these organisations, we have an opportunity to help those in need. 

Another way we can support the Afghan people is by listening to them. Often, the voices of those most affected by the crisis are drowned out by those of politicians and academics. 

It is terribly heart wrenching to watch and so easy to fear that we are helpless amidst the storm, but we are not. There are organisations unwavering in their commitment to those who cannot flee and have no choice but to stay, but these organisations rely on generous donations from ordinary people.

Charities to donate to:

CARE:

https://www.care.org.au/country/afghanistan/

CARE is an Australian-based organisation that has operated on-and-off in Afghanistan since 1964. This charity focuses on Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, one of the most important to its economy. CARE’s projects support Afghan farmers to improve their food security and income.

International Rescue Committee:

https://www.rescue.org/country/afghanistan

The IRC has been operating in Afghanistan since 1988, directing its support to Afghan people who have fled their homes and are settling into lives in a foreign country. On top of this, the IRC provides financial, health, and educational support to Afghanistan

Médecins sans Frontières:

https://www.msf.org/donate

MSF has provided medical supplies and care to Afghans since 1980. They have focused their efforts on communities most affected by war, often selflessly endangering themselves to continue their crucial support.

'The recent Global Forum discussion on the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan was great – a range of students and teachers, all with valuable perspectives to offer, came together to educate and support each other in the face of a confronting topic. 

Even in spite of a really difficult lockdown, it’s easier to appreciate how lucky I am to have this life of safety and comfort by recognising the trauma and violence experienced by people overseas. It is deeply upsetting to witness these events unfold, so we can often feel the need to merely turn our backs and tell ourselves there’s nothing we can do. But discussions like this Global Forum are proof that there’s so much we can do. 

We can share resources, donate to aid groups, support local refugees – and we can do it together. I’m thankful we have such an insightful and diverse community here at Ivanhoe, and I can’t wait for the next time we get together to talk about our world and our future.'

- Calum Rothnie, Year 12, The Ridgeway Campus

Celebrating Multiculturalism at Ivanhoe - The International Student Council

By Harriet Thorpe, Year 12, The Ridgeway Campus

Firstly, I would like to say it has been an honour working alongside the incredible team of both International and Local students to develop this assemblage masterpiece! With fortnightly meetings dating back to the end of Term 2, the group met in the International Centre or, more recently, online, with plenty of ideas to make this the best international assembly ever! 

Even with some in-person and online meetings, the other leaders of the Council and I have coordinated ways to overcome the Coronavirus barriers without letting it baffle us too much, conveying how we have used technology to adapt to the best of our abilities.

While we will keep it a surprise, for the most part, some initial ideas for the International Assembly have involved getting in touch with some International Students who left Australia to return to their families during the COVID outbreaks and remained there. We have also been in contact with some alumni! A ‘James-Corden-style’ carpool karaoke was even suggested. With the Tokyo Olympics fresh in our minds, the group discussed trivia in different countries. Especially considering this is an International Assembly, what better way to show some Olympic spirit, celebrating multiculturalism?

The added benefit of the International Student Council is meeting new people and making new friends. Yes, it is still possible to make new friends when you are in Year 12. Furthermore, it celebrates the collaboration of minds and ideas from different year levels in the Senior Years. I have learned so much about other cultures and praise them for making Ivanhoe an even more welcoming place. 

I have so much admiration for these hardworking souls; I knew the audience was in for a treat! The assembly was online in the form of a video. Hopefully, it gave you all a laugh during wellbeing for the Senior Years. The link will be published for the rest of the School to see later on.

Moreover, the International Student Council is always looking for new members, so if this seems like something that would interest you, regardless of your cultural background, we would love to have you on board to celebrate the multiculturalism of the School and the wider community. Just send any of us a quick email: Zoe Zhou, Anson Wang, Sam Griffiths, the fabulous Ms Bruhn and myself.

As always, be open to meeting new people and smiling at new faces at School or sending someone a Teams message; it can change someone’s day and form a friendship perhaps you never knew were possible.

The Pandemic Through the Eyes of an International Student

By Xuan (Michael) Zhang, Year 11, The Ridgeway Campus 

It has been 2 years since I left China to come to  Australia to study as an international student. 

When I first came to Australia, it was in 2019. I felt excited but also a little bit nervous because this was my first time going overseas. Australia attracts me with its special culture and enthusiastic people and I’m very happy to be a member of this big multicultural community. Australian people are always willing to help us blend into their group. I also enjoy Australian food such as fish and chips.

Because of the pandemic, most of the international students are struggling to return to their home country and meet their families. It is also very hard for me to stay motivated and optimistic. During the online learning period, I found it very different to face to face learning and became confused about this new way of schooling. 

However, my teachers helped me adapt to this situation, they encouraged me to remain confident. My friends always chat with me online, even though we can’t go to school, we still have chances to communicate with each other. School also has many co-curricular activities that enrich our everyday life.

This pandemic is a unique experience in everyone’s life. During this hard time, under the pressure of social isolation, we still remain hopeful and optimistic to continue our studies. It is normal for international students to feel homesick, particularly during this time, but we have received so much support from not only teachers and friends, but also homestay families and the government. 

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who helps the community get better and wish the pandemic will end very soon, so everyone’s life could go back to normal.