One story from a million for Refugee Week

BALLARAT Library is hosting a special guest talk next Saturday afternoon 20 June as part of Refugee Week.

Refugee ambassador Masoma will be sharing her story at the event that is free to attend and will take place from 2pm to 3pm.

Masoma was born in Afghanistan but she and her family fled to Pakistan when she was just a few months old.

After United States forces arrived in Afghanistan in 2001, the family returned and remained there for many years.

“Those were some of the best days of my life,” Masoma recalled ahead of her upcoming guest talk.

“Going to school, spending time with friends, and not worrying too much about the future.”

In 2013, the family had again decided to leave in search of safety and a stable future.

This time, they fled to Indonesia, expecting to stay for a short time before being permanently resettled in a third country, but their “short stay” in Indonesia was to last almost nine years.

Coordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia, Refugee Week is happening nationally from Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event, which is exploring the theme of A Million Stories.

Organisers say next Saturday’s event at the Ballarat Library also offers a chance to connect with others over afternoon tea.

Bookings are not required to attend and more details are available by contacting the library.