Arzo’s journey to finding confidence, connection and a dream for the future

11 May 2025

New opportunities

Arzo grew up in Afghanistan and was in her final year of high school when her family made the life-changing decision to move to Australia in search of safety and better opportunities for education.

“I grew up in Afghanistan. I was in my final year of high school when my family, they decided to seek safety and better opportunities for education. So my hopes were centered around building a stable and fulfilling future,” she recalls.

As the eldest daughter, Arzo carried not only her own ambitions but also a strong sense of responsibility. “I aim to continue my education and complete that, having a better relationships with the people and with my community. And also to support my family because being an elder daughter of the home, I was hoping to support my family in every way.”

Arzo looks softly at the camera. She is wearing a beige head scarf and beige jacket

Overcoming challenges as a migrant youth

Like many migrant and refugee youth, Arzo’s settlement journey in Australia was not without its difficulties. “The journey coming to here was challenging, same like other migrants, but it was worth it,” Arzo says.

Language was the biggest barrier, and learning to navigate daily tasks such as finding housing and understanding public transport felt overwhelming. “I faced several challenges like a language barrier. It was the most difficult one, also navigating daily tasks from finding housing to understanding public transportations. It was all overwhelming.”

Finding support and belonging with SMRC

Recognising she needed help, Arzo connected with the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC). “I realised that I need support. When I discovered SMRC, their support, it helped me to feel more connected and confident to a new environment,” she shares.

Through SMRC’s youth programs, she gained academic support, improved her English, and built confidence in her abilities. “I love SMRC. I love all those teachers and staff for working there. I really appreciate their hard working.”

Her determination paid off. Arzo achieved high marks in her school psychology exams and proudly received the 2024 Education Award from the Centre for Multicultural Youth — an achievement she credits to the encouragement and guidance she received. “I’m proud to say that I’ve been accomplished to get that with the support of SMRC. Thank you from all those teachers that helped me to gain that.”

Advice for other young migrants

Arzo hopes her story will inspire other young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to keep learning and never give up.

“My advice to all those people who have been recently coming here or have similar situation like me would be that to stay focused and determined and always actively seek to learn. Education is a tool that can open many doors and improve one’s circumstances. It can not only change their life, but it can also make a positive impact on the community. So they should believe in themselves and they can do, achieve their goals in any ways with education. Become a good personality, help other peoples and achieve what you’re dreaming for.”