Helping Hazaras in the community
A number of Hazaras from Afghanistan have been given temporary protection in Australia.
They include some of the people rescued by MV Tampa in August 2001.
Here is an idea to help make them welcome: if you have the time, you might consider making a special effort to befriend a Hazara individually; become an informal ‘guardian’ for one of them.
There are all sorts of small ways you would be able to help: be available for a chat and a cup of coffee from time to time; help them deal with the bureaucracy; go to dinner with them or go clubbing.
Two of the great difficulties for them are loneliness and isolation. They are having to cope with a radically new society, and they come from a damaged past. A small effort on your part could make a tremendous difference to them.
If you want to make contact with a member of the Hazara community in Australia, contact:
Victoria:
Hazara Association of
Vic
PO Box 7268 Dandenong Vic 3175
Ph: (03) 9547 0849
Mobile: 0438 895 728
Fax: (03) 9792 0195
E-mail:hav2002@bigpond.com
Queensland:
Hassan Ghulam
(President)
07.3257 7215 / 0409
612 554
Fax (07.3257 7315)
hazara_es@bigpond.com
Here is a useful resource site for more information about the Hazara people