By Danielle Kutchel
As the flow-on effects of the resurgence of the Taliban continue to be felt around the world, the Bakhtar Cultural Association has sprung into action to help newly arrived evacuees from Afghanistan to navigate their settlement in Victoria.
The Association has provided interpreters to the Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) program to help ease the refugees into their new country.
Around eight to 10 interpreters are on site day and night with several more available over the phone to speak to Afghan families in their own language and provide essential information about Victoria and the quarantine process.
Around six people are available to provide cultural awareness and social support over the phone to the new arrivals, who headed straight into the isolation of hotel quarantine.
“If they want to talk to someone in this country to find out how it looks when they get out, or any information they need, that’s something we’ve been providing over the phone,” explained association chairperson Bassir Qadiri.
He said hearing words of welcome spoken in their mother tongue brought smiles to the evacuees’ faces.
“It’s something positive for the community. We’re ready to provide whatever support is needed and whatever support we can provide,” Mr Qadiri said.
Bakhtar has also provided care packages including things like warm clothing to donate to the evacuees too, and is collecting funds to help the refugees to settle into their new life in Australia.
To donate, visit https://bakhtar.org.au/campaigns/fundraising-nonprofit-platform/
