Life as a refugee in the 1980s: A journey fromVietnam to Australia
In honour of Refugee Week, AnglicareSA volunteer Phuong shared with us her courageous refugee story.
“On April 1975, the Communist Government of North Vietnam seized control of South Vietnam after a long and costly war. Five years later, in 1980, my husband and I decided to leave Vietnam on a boat full of other people who desperately needed to escape. It wasn’t an easy decision. We were looking for freedom, opportunity and a better future for us and our future family. “Many refugees who fled Vietnam by boat failed to survive the passage and some also faced danger from pirates, over-crowding and starvation. Fortunately for us, after two days and three nights, we reached one of the beaches of Malaysia. “We were then taken to a refugee camp called Pula Bi-dong. We lived there for nearly a year before we were accepted by Australia as refugees. “We were lucky to have a family from a local Catholic Church in South Australia sponsor us and they became our adopted family here in Adelaide. “Today, I have two adult sons and two young grandchildren. For the last 39 years, I have been a childcare worker – and a primary and secondary school teacher too! I really enjoyed my time being a (Vietnamese language) teacher.”
A fresh look to the gardens and walkway at AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth East aged care home is providing a more social and homely experience for residents and their families. The upgrades, completed in July this year, have improved the connection between the two separate wings of the aged care home. The communal garden aims to encourage residents to spend more time outside by providing an outdoor dining alternative and a peaceful space for catch ups with family and friends. A visual and peaceful memorial garden has also been a key addition, while a replacement to fencing has boosted the privacy and security of the home. As the weather warms up, we look forward to seeing more residents and their families enjoying the new outdoor area. Outdoor upgrades for Elizabeth East
“My name is Phuong and my background is Vietnamese. I am a volunteer at AnglicareSA in Kilkenny. I work with community development officers to support and create a connection with Vietnamese clients when they need and use AnglicareSA services. “My family and I have been in South Australia for over 39 years. Both my children have grown up here and identify themselves as Vietnamese Australians. “When I first arrived in Adelaide, I could not speak or read a word of English. It took a lot of hard work and help from volunteers to get me where I am today. I can therefore empathise with those in the Vietnamese community who have difficulty with understanding and communicating in English.
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