Refugee Radio features ten refugees and asylum seekers on their journey to a new land. They share the struggle of leaving family and the familiar behind, of learning a new language yet maintaining their culture, and of needing ways to contribute to Australian society.
Refugee Radio is part of Human Rights Day 10 December 2010 special programming and is supported by theCity of Melbourne and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
MARIAL
Marial is a young man from southern Sudan. He was born a refugee anddue to internal displacement found himself in Kenya for 10 years. AHumanitarian Visa enabled him to eventually come across to Australia 4years ago and he’s currently happy to be a University student inMelbourne, studying international politics. Marial talks about the processhe had to go through to get here.
Listen to Marial (5.3MB/5:45min)
NHUNG
Nhung is originally from Vietnam and has lived in Australia for nearly30 years. She travelled from Malaysia to Australia on a boat and thenhad to negotiate a new life in a new country. Although no longerworking in the factory that employed her for 20 years, she is veryactive in her local community and continues to attend English classes.Nhung explains why she appreciates her life here.
Listen to Nhung (5.1MB/5:31min)
ABDI
Abdi is originally from Somalia, but his journey to Australia took him through Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, Romania and Germany. He came to this country by himself and was amongst the first wave of African arrivals in the early 1990s. He is a youth worker now and enjoys empowering young people. Abdi tells us how he came to be reunited with his family.
Listen to Abdi (4.6MB/5:01min)
SARA*
Sara is from Iraq. Before coming to Australia last year she had livedalone for 6 years with her two children in Iran. For one whole year,while her husband was in detention at Woomera Immigration Reception andProcessing Centre, she tragically thought he was dead. Sara talks abouther family’s separation and what she hopes living in Australia willbring her.
Listen to Sara (5.4MB/5:51min)
ALI
Ali is from Darfur, the western region of Sudan. He grew up in the west of Sudan, studied in the north of Sudan and now here in Australia, he believes in uniting all Sudanese, despite their differences. He is qualified as a chemical engineer, but currently works in a Melbourne hospital as a food services assistant. Ali speaks about his feelings towards his life in Australia.
Listen to Ali (4.7MB/5:05min)
FLORENCE
Florence is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There she was an experienced journalist and TV presenter. Here, among other things, she promotes positive engagement between the Congolese community and the Victorian Police. She recently gave birth to a baby girl and is currently busy enjoying being a mother. Florence recites some of her poems and talks about her love of life.
Listen to Florence (4.9MB/5:18min)
AKECH
Akech came to Australia in 2006. Born in Ethiopia, he and his familythen went back to Sudan, only to move to Uganda and then Kenya for 10years, before Akech made it to Australia. He flew here on aHumanitarian Visa. He enjoys working with youth organisations andconnecting with people and his community. Akech shares with us his takeon life.
Listen to Akech (5.6MB/6:01min)
ROZANNA
Rozanna is a young woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Shearrived in Australia last year after having been separated from hermother for 7 years. She now lives with her family and studies Englishin Collingwood. Rozanna sees Australia as her country now and she tellsus what she would like to do with her life here.
Listen to Rozanna (4.8MB/5:15min)
KHAN*
Khan is from the tribal areas of Pakistan near the Afghanistan border. He came to Australia on a student visa, supported by his family. Things changed for the worst when his father’s business back home was attacked and ruined. It’s too dangerous for Khan to go home, but here in Australia he’s in limbo-land, still awaiting the outcome of his temporary protection visa application. Khan shares with us the story of why and how he came to be in Australia.
Listen to Khan (5MB/5:22min)
NASRO
Nasro is a young woman from Somalia. She has lived in Australia for 8 years and is currently a disability carer and nursing student. A very passionate person, she is active in campaigning against racism and for disadvantaged youth. Nasro speaks about why she volunteers in the youth sector.
Listen to Nasro (4.8MB/5:10min)
We'd also like to acknowledge use of music excerpts from The Key of Sea Album - a musical collaboration that crosses borders.
3CR encourages community radio stations to rebroadcast this material and requests that full acknowledgement of 3CR be attributed to any broadcast. 3CR retains copyright of this material. For more information contact theSpecial Projects Coordinator Juliet Fox.
