WYNDHAM women are helping female Karen refugees make a new life in Wyndham with information most residents take for granted.
International women’s service group Zonta, which aims to advance the status of women worldwide, is behind the new program, A New Life – Settling in Wyndham.
Fire safety in the home, money management and nutrition and exercise are some of the topics to be covered this month at information sessions held at ISIS Primary Care in Hoppers Crossing.
Zonta Club spokeswoman Faye Juetz said it was made possible by a Wyndham City Council grant of $1000 and a volunteer interpreter.
“We thought it might be nice to offer a hand of friendship and offer basic settling-in information.
“Many of the women refugees have lived in Thai border camps for many years and have had little or no formal education. Living conditions are harsh, food, commodities and housing are basic and personal independence is severely restricted,” she said
Ms Juetz said the first three-hour session on fire safety, which was held last week, inspired a humorous moment among the 13 newly arrived refugee participants.
“They found it very funny when the fireman asked if anyone of them had clothes driers,” Ms Juetz said.
“There was a titter going around… they were like, ‘what is this? Hang on we’re lucky to have furniture let alone a clothes drier’.”
More sessions with expert guest speakers include nutrition and exercise on Wednesday 11 April, and women’s health on Friday 13 April.
For more information call ISIS Primary Care on 8734 1400.
