What defines a successful resettlement? It’s a question often asked by and of CSGs. Not all successful outcomes cost money and not all stories are the same.
Some aspects of success can easily be overlooked in favour of the big ticket items such as work, housing, independence etc.
Here’s a little success story – of education and the importance of schooling to intergenerational resettlement. Good experiences in education are particularly important for the wellbeing of children and the family as a whole.
Australia’s first family to be resettled under the Community Refugee Integrated and Settlement Program (commonly known as CRISP) was in Ocean Shores.
When Rahaf came to the area as a 6-year-old, she had never attended any preschool or school program. She immediately went into the last term of kindergarten.
This year she has commenced year 2. She is a confident 7-year-old, speaking three languages and thriving on the social connections she has made at her local public school.
On the first day of the 2024 school year, the family was welcomed with open arms by the Principal and her former teachers (her brother Drgham was off to preschool on the same day).
Meanwhile Rahaf was reconnecting with her friends by distributing bracelets that she had crafted for them during the holidays.
Seeing the smiles on a refugee resettled family as they watch their children meet their educational milestones and become part of the school community – now that is success.
-Isabelle Borelli, BR4R vice-president
