Amani, the journey of a refugee
Amani fled to Australia as a refugee. At just 14 years old she became the head of her family when her parents were brutally murdered in their home in Syria. She found herself responsible for her four younger siblings on a terrifying journey from war-torn Syria to Australia.
“When the war started and our mum and dad died, people took us in and we moved from house to house. When there was no one else to look after us, we went to a refugee camp in Jordan.”
Sadly, the refugee camp was not to be a safe haven for Amani and her young siblings. They were alone and afraid and made easy prey.
“We didn’t know anyone in the camp. People would fight for water. There was a man who took us in, but he took the money we’d been given for food and made us clean the house and then he would give us scraps to eat. He and his wife beat me and my sisters and brother”
Fortunately, Amani and her brother and sisters managed to escape and made the long journey to Australia. But, when they arrived here their troubles were far from over, they were in a strange place, where they knew nobody and couldn’t speak the language.
Anglicare’s work with refugees
Thankfully Amani and her siblings were directed to Anglicare for help. We have done a lot of good work with refugees and we started to help them immediately. Amani, her brother and sisters were first given the essentials – we provided them with healthy, nutritious food, new clothing and a place to stay.
Another refugee service we offer which has been vital to the development of Amani and her family has been Hope Counselling. The counselling is provided by either an Arabic speaking counsellor or with the assistance of an interpreter allowing us to start the healing process without any knowledge of English.
As they began to improve physically and mentally Amani and her refugee family began taking English lessons before starting our Getting Ready for School program.
