Exploring the World of Migration

July 28, 2023

It is widely known that immigration in Australia plays a crucial role in the country’s social, cultural, and economic development.

This term, our Year 6 students are delving into the subject of migration and its impact on Australia as part of their Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS) curriculum.

In English, they are further reinforcing their understanding through the study of texts like My Place by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins, with the novel Mahtab’s Story by Litty Gleeson also on their reading list.

To form part of the unit, the girls recently connected with guest speaker and parent of the College, Nasim Fosdar. As a child, Nasim migrated from Iran to Australia and shared her experience with the Year 6s.

Leaving Iran was a life-changing decision for Nasim and her family. She came to Australia with her parents and younger brother, leaving behind a tight-knit extended family that included grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The most difficult part of their journey was leaving behind everything familiar and stepping into the unknown. Nasim recalled how her parents couldn’t reveal all the details at the time, but they knew they had to leave for safety reasons. As children, the weight of such a decision wasn’t fully comprehended, but Nasim recognised how much harder it was for her parents, knowing they wouldn’t see their family again.

Upon arriving in Australia, everything seemed remarkably different – the weather, language, food, and vast open spaces. Nasim compared this to the densely populated and traffic-filled environment they were accustomed to in Iran.

However, what surprised Nasim the most was the warmth and kindness of the people she encountered in Australia. From migration officers to teachers and fellow students, everyone welcomed them with open arms, which was a stark contrast to their experiences in Iran.

As time passed, Nasim and her family found that their experiences in Australia exceeded their expectations. They sought refuge in a country that offered peace and safety, where basic human rights and equal opportunities were granted to all.

Nasim expressed her gratitude for being able to practice her religion, Baha’i, without discrimination, and for having access to education and the chance to contribute positively to the community through service projects.

Of course, there were challenges to overcome. Nasim highlighted that language barriers proved to be a significant obstacle for her parents, and not being able to visit their family back in Iran weighed heavily on their hearts.

Yet, despite these challenges, Nasim found strength in the experience of migration. It taught her resilience and adaptability, demonstrating that even in difficult times, solutions could be found. It also instilled a sense of gratitude, as she learned to appreciate life’s blessings even during tough circumstances.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Nasim for speaking to our girls and sharing her inspiring journey of migration. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience it takes to leave behind everything familiar and start anew in a foreign land.

ConnectingLearning2Life, Curiosity, Featured, Learning4Life

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.