Meet Aveen

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My name is Aveen. Originally from Syria, and then the United Arab Emirates, I relocated to Australia as a skilled migrant in September 2022, along with my family. I started with MCCSA initially as a volunteer, before being hired part-time as a Project Officer in 2024.

My journey from Syria to Emirates, and then to Adelaide, has been a tapestry woven with threads of resilience and hope.

For thirteen years, my family and I found sanctuary in the United Arab Emirates, where we built our home and our dreams. With a daughter of thirteen and a son of eleven by my side, I held onto my profession as a computer engineer, leveraging my master’s degree to teach and work at universities in Abu Dhabi.

But the winds of change blew fiercely, and the turmoil in our homeland made it clear that returning was no longer an option. With heavy hearts but unwavering determination, we made the decision to embark on a new chapter in our lives as skilled migrants, setting our sights on Adelaide.

Adelaide, with its charm and allure, welcomed us with open arms, but the transition was far from easy. Stepping into a city where we knew no one, we faced the daunting task of rebuilding our lives from scratch. Finding employment in a new land proved to be one of the greatest hurdles.

Amidst the uncertainty, I found a glimmer of hope in MCCSA. Volunteering with MCCSA not only gave me purpose but also opened doors to unforeseen opportunities. The organisation successfully secured a grant of $50,000, donated by the generous members of Impact100 SA, to upskill community leaders in providing exercise programs within their communities. With MCCSA’s support, I secured a short-term paid role within the organisation as part of this project, leveraging my existing transferrable skills, to contribute meaningfully to my new South Australian community. As this project ended, my contract was renewed as another opportunity arose through Speak My Language (Disability).

The warmth and inclusivity of MCCSA has transformed my journey, infusing it with hope and promise. As I delved into my roles, I forged deep connections with diverse communities, organisations and government departments. Through MCCSA, I found not only a job, but also a sense of belonging.

Today, my story is one of resilience and triumph. From the sands of Abu Dhabi to the streets of Adelaide, I navigated the tumultuous waters of displacement with determination. Through my journey with MCCSA, I discovered that home is not just a place, but a community that embraces and supports its members through life’s challenges.

In my tale, we find a testament to the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. Guided by MCCSA, I found my place in a new land – turning challenges into opportunities and uncertainty into hope. And as I look to the future, I do so with gratitude for the organisation that became my anchor in turbulent times and with excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead.