A New Life, A New Language
“I live in Australia now. I must learn English.” ~ Ghasim
In 2014, Ghasim and Haeebo were forced to flee their home when their district was attacked by ISIS soldiers.
For nine days the family sought refuge in the Sinjar Mountains while ISIS ravaged their community and people, violently slaughtering and capturing their friends and loved ones. Food was scarce, as was water and medical supplies, and when at last a safe passage was established off the mountains, they began the long walk to Syria. They ended up in a safe city in Kurdistan where, for the next five years, they lived in a refugee camp.
Life has been hard for this couple, but their spirits remain unbroken.
Since arriving in Australia in April last year, Ghasim and Haeebo have slowly been rebuilding their lives. Here, in their Australian home, they feel like human beings again. They like the systems and appreciate all the people who have helped them.
Neither Ghasim nor Haeebo received any schooling in Iraq, and neither one can read or write in their own language, but they are very eager to learn English. Of course, it isn’t easy. Grief and trauma have had a massive impact on their ability to learn. Trauma from the horrors they have experienced. Grief over what they’ve lost. Fear for their loved ones so far away. Stress from being in a foreign land, learning a new way of life. Guilt from knowing they are safe in Australia while so many of their friends and family still suffer in refugee camps or hostage to ISIS.
But despite all the obstacles, they are determined to learn the language. Ghasim goes to TAFE one day a week and is always eager to practice conversational English with his neighbours. Haeebo is keen to learn the language so she can give back to Australia through work. She will be receiving a loaned iPad, with data, to use over the next six months as part of an initiative by Varsity Lakes Community Service. This technology will assist in her learning and help her to practice English.
To comply with COVID restrictions, YouBelong have been delivering English classes to people’s homes. Both Ghasim and Haeebo will be participating in this new initiative.
