Growing up in Kabul under Taliban rule, Shahira wasn’t allowed an education. Today, with a degree in literature and a Master in Business, Shahira has accomplished things that were never a possibility for her while living in Afghanistan. Shahira spent her childhood hiding underground, hidden from the restrictions imposed on...
Arriving in Australia had its challenges. With no prior education or experience, Boe spent the beginning of her schooling learning English outside of her normal school classes. Yet, with hard work and determination throughout her years of schooling, Boe was awarded the Year Advisor Award at the end of high...
Caroline, Community Support Officer celebrates her 10th year with SCARF. “In 2012, I was new to Wollongong and was looking specifically to volunteer with people from refugee backgrounds”. Carolyn came across SCARF online, and rang Sharyn, SCARF’s founder. The following week she started volunteering for SCARF every Friday in the...
Actor and former refugee, Burhan Zangana spoke to ABC Illawarra on how life has changed for him since his role in ABC’s drama series,...
Peete, SCARF community member, was interviewed by ABC Illawarra about the meaningful impact soccer has played in his life in Australia and the challenges faced by the Burmese refugee community. Local sports teams provide an excellent opportunity for members of the community to meet people and form new relationships. A...
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has seen SCARF take a different approach to community. One volunteer, who has continued her support throughout the pandemic, is Margaret Etherton. After matching with one family through her befriending role in 2016, Margaret reached out to offer her assistance and support throughout the lockdown period....
Taste of Ethiopia Many years ago when Sara’s mother was teaching her to cook, she would have never imagined she would be one day introducing many Wollongong residents to Ethiopian cuisine. Sara has long dreamed of starting her own food stall and in 2019, that dream came to fruition. Throughout...
Last week we celebrated as the first round of students from the inaugural Lunchbox for Learning program graduated. Lunchbox for Learning is a 10-session food preparation course funded by Coordinare. It is delivered by Kiama Community College with the support of SCARF volunteers. The Lunchbox for Learning program is focused...
As an organisation, SCARF is increasingly focusing on providing employment support to community members from refugee backgrounds. One of the ways we are doing this is through local organisations who provide work experience, training or employment to former refugees. As part of this increased focus employment support, SCARF worked with...
The friendship between Raghad and Lioba is proof that there is one language that is universal. Laughter. The pair celebrated two years of friendship in August, and have shared many experiences, laughs and desserts along the way. They met through the Befriending program run by SCARF, which matches local volunteers...
