Visiting day and Moving day with Friends of Refugees

by Lia Anderson

On 6 July, I attended the Friends of Refugees visiting day. My group visited about five different houses from the Dandenong region. We met some lovely Afghani men who were living in share houses together. They were really happy to have us visit and were very hospitable, offering us food and drink during Ramadan, which I thought was particularly generous! In particular we visited a man who used to be in the Special Forces who showed us some amazing photos from his village, we visited a house of five, where we all couldn't stop laughing at the "comedian" of the house and another house of about five where their friend, who has been living in Australia for a lot longer, gave them his washing machine and fridge, because they needed it more (the friend came over to their house to wash his clothes).

I met some really lovely and interesting people who were still able to have a laugh with us, even though they missed their families back home terribly and were worried about their future, and many not being able to work despite having skills or qualifications and wanting to work just like they did back home.

On July 13, Moving day was upon us and we were back visiting some of the people we met on visiting day and also some new faces. The bunny hop plan worked really well and we spent a lot more time visiting rather than just donating which was really great and was clearly appreciated by those we visited.

Some of the houses of men, were kind enough to share their meal with us when they broke for fasting. The food was delicious and it was wonderful trying authentic afghani cuisine! They are teaching each other to cook because back in their home country, the women did all the cooking! We donated a lot of warm clothes and blankets as well as furniture, beds and rugs. It looks like the most needed for next time will be warm clothes, blankets/doonas as well as digital TVs and computers. It must be so boring and lonely having to sit at home all day and not being able to work, especially in a foreign country.

Thanks F.O.R for having me again and I look forward to next visiting and moving day!