Reza was the first Afghan student to study at Bass Coast Adult Learning. Others soon followed.
By Harry Freeman
IT BEGAN one Monday morning three years ago when staff at the Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre (BCAL) in Wonthaggi arrived to find an unexpected visitor from Dandenong.
Reza, who originally came from Afghanistan, was eager to talk to the staff about joining the English Language class the centre offers. He wanted to improve his language skills and had also discovered that if he attended the class here, the closest regional language centre to his present place of residence, it would give him a better chance of extending his Safe Haven visa when it expired in five years’ time.
BCAL, being a friendly and welcoming place, was more than happy to accommodate Reza’s request. And so began an association which continues to the present day.
IT BEGAN one Monday morning three years ago when staff at the Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre (BCAL) in Wonthaggi arrived to find an unexpected visitor from Dandenong.
Reza, who originally came from Afghanistan, was eager to talk to the staff about joining the English Language class the centre offers. He wanted to improve his language skills and had also discovered that if he attended the class here, the closest regional language centre to his present place of residence, it would give him a better chance of extending his Safe Haven visa when it expired in five years’ time.
BCAL, being a friendly and welcoming place, was more than happy to accommodate Reza’s request. And so began an association which continues to the present day.
As he left after class he had one more surprise for his teachers. ‘Would it be OK,’ he asked, ‘if next week I brought some more people I know who have the same visa as me?’
Naturally, he was encouraged to do so. Gradually, over the period of a few weeks, the number of Afghan students travelling to BCAL swelled from week to week until it had risen to more than 20. It reached the stage where BCAL had to put on extra classes for the new students, at first during the week and then, when work commitments made it difficult for many students to attend at the original times, the classes were moved to the weekend. AnIhe students still kept coming, even though this was taking up their scarce leisure time.
In return for the effort the teachers had made, the BCAL staff and community received many rewards in return: not least a wonderful rapport which developed between staff and students and the enthusiasm and warm heartedness which the Afghans showed in their dealings with their fellow students, their volunteer tutors, and the broader BCAL community.
Over the ensuing years circumstances have changed. Some of the original students have found suitable employment in other regional areas and others have found that their need to provide for family members overseas has meant that they have been unable to find the time to maintain their attendance at BCAL.
Naturally, he was encouraged to do so. Gradually, over the period of a few weeks, the number of Afghan students travelling to BCAL swelled from week to week until it had risen to more than 20. It reached the stage where BCAL had to put on extra classes for the new students, at first during the week and then, when work commitments made it difficult for many students to attend at the original times, the classes were moved to the weekend. AnIhe students still kept coming, even though this was taking up their scarce leisure time.
In return for the effort the teachers had made, the BCAL staff and community received many rewards in return: not least a wonderful rapport which developed between staff and students and the enthusiasm and warm heartedness which the Afghans showed in their dealings with their fellow students, their volunteer tutors, and the broader BCAL community.
Over the ensuing years circumstances have changed. Some of the original students have found suitable employment in other regional areas and others have found that their need to provide for family members overseas has meant that they have been unable to find the time to maintain their attendance at BCAL.
 Ramazan  Kaniz  Zamin | But the Centre has maintained contact with four refugees who still attend classes regularly; three men from Dandenong and a single mother who lives with other family members in Cranbourne. And these four, Reza, Ramazan, Zamin, and Kaniz are the ones Centre staff and volunteers are most concerned for now and want to help in their present distressing circumstances. We have already seen graphic images of the terrifying situation that exists back in the country where they all have family and friends. Sadly, one of the four has already heard news of a nephew who has been killed by the Taliban. We can only imagine what stress they are being put under but we want to do whatever we can to support them – first and foremost as fellow human beings but most especially as people who have built up a strong connection with our community. In this regard we are planning social, practical and some financial assistance to support them personally and in their attempts to assist their families overseas. A number of people have expressed a wish to offer support to Reza, Zamin, Kaniz and Ramazan. BCAL is liaising with two local groups who support refugees: South Gippsland Rural Australians for Refugees and Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group. Between them, they can offer practical, social and some financial (through fundraising and donations) support. BCRSG will hold a garage sale on the Saturday of Cup weekend to raise funds for the four students. If you have any items to donate, you can bring them along on the day or leave them at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House. To contact South Gippsland Rural Australians for Refugees, email Felicia on [email protected]. To contact Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group, email Maddy at [email protected] |