Hussnia and her family came to Australia as refugees from Afghanistan about 10 years ago. Her daughter Mahssama is now in year 12 and helps translate for her mother. They share memories of Afghanistan and the early days of their lives in Australia.
Life was hard in Afghanistan even before the Taliban took control. Work was scarce and as a child Hussnia’s family did not have running water or electricity.
After she married, her husband struggled to find work and the threat of the Taliban was ever present.
I sometimes dream about the Taliban. I'm scared and crying...thinking the door broken, the Taliban came inside, very scared.
Her husband, like many Afghanis, looked to neighbouring countries Pakistan and Iran for work. He took a job in Iran and was gone from the family for many months of the year. After years of separation the family were accepted as refugees in Australia.
They settled in Bendigo and had to learn how to speak English
I just knew the word ‘Hello’. That's it. It was like everyone was speaking gibberishMahssama
Now Mahssama is about to graduate high school, her older siblings are at university and Hussnia has made many friends thanks to classes and connections made through the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services. Every day they are thankful for simple things like running water, fresh fruit and the opportunity to earn a living.
Sometimes I'm very proud of my husband. He came here and [it’s] good for kids, they go to study and for him [it’s] safe here. In my country maybe Mahssama [would] now [be] married already
On the SBS podcast New Home, hear from migrant and refugee women who are quietly building new lives in regional Australia, making friends, and finding community.
Follow New Home in the SBS Radio app, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
New Home is presented by Alison Hanly, and produced by Alison Hanly and Ginny Tan.
