At the AGM earlier this year the various Circles shared updates on their work. Here are a couple of success stories from Circles who have been supporting refugee families.
Family from South America settling into life in Australia
Carol Collin reports that members of the Willunga Circle first started visiting a mother and her four children, refugees from a South American country, last year when they lived in a cold flat in the city. At the end of last year they moved to an old house north-west of the city, and are now very happy. They like this area very much as it is quiet with some nice parks and good bus services.
The eldest child is doing well at school, has made friends and now has a part-time job at Enzo’s at Home (Italian pre-made pasta dishes). The business has been very supportive and has been giving him hours that fit in with his school work. He says it’s a great place to work and that there are other Spanish speaking people working there. Apparently Enzo’s products can be bought at IGA!
The other children are also happy at school. The eldest daughter would like to do nursing and then perhaps become a doctor. The three-year old goes to a creche at TAFE while Mum tries hard – but is finding it difficult – to learn English. Of course, her 3 year old’s English is good and improving rapidly.
As Carol says, all in all, they are now a happy well-settled family.
Family from Sri Lanka reunited and on their way to self-sufficiency
A Sri Lankan family who arrived by boat many years ago have endured a long period of great hardship but are now finally starting to make a life for themselves.
Around 5 years ago, a desperate worker from Red Cross contacted the Rapid Response Circle as the father of the family was in detention and the support payment entitlement provided to the mother, S. and the 4 children was about to be cut. With no way to cover living expenses S and her children were in danger of having to live on the streets, despite receiving considerable help from the Effective Living Centre Circle.
S’s husband, in detention, tried his best to find somewhere for his wife and children to live. Initially they were able to share a house with the husband’s brother, sister-in-law and three children. They then all moved to a farmhouse in the country after the brother-in-law managed to find work on the farm, and S and her children continued to be supported by Rapid Response Circle and the Willunga Circle.
This living arrangement, however, was not sustainable, given the number of people in the house. Helped by a small Church community, S and her children returned to suburban Adelaide and were allowed to live for two years in a small Church hall, having to pack up their belongings every week when church services took place.
Both Circle of Friends and the Vinnies Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service in Kilburn continued to help S and her family. S managed to study and now has a qualification in Aged Care. She is actively looking for work but struggles due to the written language requirements of the job. Further English language tuition may be needed.
Without any notice, S’s husband was released from detention, which led to great joy for the whole family. He set out immediately to do some training and find work in order to start supporting the family. He now works approximately four days a week and the family, with the help of Vinnies and an understanding agent, has found a house to rent. They no longer have to live in the Church hall which is a great relief. Visitors to the house are greeted by 2 multi-coloured pots of flowers at the front door.
The family still needs some help to cover their living costs, but it is much reduced and they are on their way to becoming self-sufficient.
This story is a great example of what can be achieved not only be the determination, courage and resilience of the refugee family themselves, but also what happens when different organisations collaborate and work together – in this case, the Church that provided the hall, Circle of Friends, the Vinnies Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service and Red Cross.
