New beginnings, new learnings

On 17 September we celebrate Australian Citizenship Day. The day is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we have. Fatima became an Australian citizen 12 years ago and believes it’s important to remember and give back to a community that has provided her and her family so much. “I cherish this country, it gave us a home and we can live here in peace,” she said. “I love this country; it is like no other.” Over the past 12 months, the City of Playford has conferred more 530 new citizens into the Playford community from countries such as Afghanistan, India and Syria.

Fatima Ahmadi moved to Australia from Afghanistan in 2008 to be with her husband, Gholam. After being separated by distance for seven years, they started their new life in Adelaide. Shortly after, the couple welcomed their daughter, Muhaddisa, followed by their two sons, Ali and Sami. Fatima said her family felt very blessed to be in Australia and is extremely grateful for the communities that have supported them. “Coming to Australia meant starting again, adjusting to the environment and learning English,” Fatima said. “I often tell myself how lucky I have been to be in contact with a lot of people who I’ve learned little things from. It has made my life experience more beautiful, and I value my life more.” The opportunity to access education has opened Fatima’s eyes to what she described as “exploring the world.” She has completed a six-month new arrivals course with ongoing tutor support, as well as a Certificate III in Childcare.

“No one is stopped from the opportunity to learn, no matter your age,” she said. Fatima and her family embody that sentiment, opening their first business in 2018, a fish and chip takeaway restaurant in Davoren Park. She has since settled her family into a home at Munno Para West and is giving back to her new community. Fatima is an active volunteer in the Playford community and dedicates a day each week to supporting the Grenville Hub in the Elizabeth CBD. “We are very blessed to live in a safe community with lots of opportunities,” she said. “We need to give back and learn from the people. “I need to also teach them what I know. This is me and this is where I came from because we live in a multicultural country. So, we can learn from each other, we can improve our knowledge.” Fatima hopes to continue her education journey by completing year 11 and 12, as well as future aspirations to complete further education in business and nursing.