SSI praised at Refugee Week celebration

SSI assisted the first Afghans evacuated from Kabul, arriving in NSW last August.
Coming during the peak of the global pandemic, meant the Afghans’ arrival met many challenges, including enduring Covid quarantine, isolation measures and getting vaccinations.
Since last August, SSI has worked with partners across NSW to provide services, including supporting 1,393 people with essential registration services and identity confirmation, providing over 740 food packages and mobile phones to over 370 families.
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said many refugees arrived with only the clothes on their back.
“This required SSI to act swiftly, employing 17 additional bilingual workers to provide the best individual support needed,” she said.
“SSI has worked with many partners who have generously donated goods and opened their homes and hearts.”
One refugee supported is 29-year-old refugee and former assistant manager of an Afghan Premier League team, Khorsand Yousofzai.
“Thanks for SSI, making everything fast,” he said.
Another refugee, Ghuson Almohamad said she felt welcome.
“It’s not easy to leave your country and what you are familiar with but there are so many people who face terrible situations,” she said.
“I had a good SSI case worker who helped me a lot. My kids were enrolled in school and they helped me find a place to live close to the school and shops.
“I am now living in a community where I feel comfortable and safe.”