To celebrate Refugee Week 2017 we introduce you to some of our staff who after making their own journeys to a new life in Bendigo now give their time to help and support others following the same path.
Learn what events we have planned for Refugee Week: http://bit.ly/RefugeeWeekBendigo
Today we meet Settlement Services volunteer Law Lah.
What is the best thing about your role with BCHS?
I arrived in Bendigo August 2011 from Mae Lae camp. I was in the camp for 15 years. I work as a volunteer to teach clients how to get to appointments both in Bendigo and Melbourne use the train bus and tram. I also volunteer in refugee woman’s group to look after the children and packing up. Cooking at the youth excursions and camps
How has Bendigo Community Health Services helped you?
Before I became a volunteer the BCHS settlement team helped me and my family to settle into Bendigo . Teaching us about renting a house, using the ATM, catching the bus, train, enrolling children into school and document help. Now as a volunteer I help my community when I volunteer with BCHS settlement team.
What are the most important highlights of your first few months in Bendigo after arrival?
Bendigo is the best place for my family to settle because we have very good settlement support team. Life is much better in Bendigo than the refugee camp. Bendigo is safe not afraid of police here. We are free and safe, plenty of food and we are not hungry here.
What do you hope to achieve in the future through your role with BCHS?
To continue to improve and learn more about computer and improve my English As a volunteer my wish is to be able to help my community to integrate into the community
What is your favourite place in Bendigo and why?
Every day is free I have I go fishing with my grandson in a lake near Kerang or the Murray River. I like to be home in my own house with my family or visiting friends.
Meet more of our wonderful staff
To read more profiles from our refugee services staff click here
Learn more about BCHS
To learn more about the refugee and settlement services offered by BCHS please visit www.bchs.com.au
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