Speeches on my refugee experience shared with schools in Southern Tasmania
This incredible project started three years ago but came into full effect when I was appointed People of Australia Ambassadors in 2012. Through the support of Mr Sebastien Robin, CALD Support & Pathway, Diplomas Adviser Student Centre, at the University of Tasmania. The idea behind this project was to educate my community on multiculturalism and what brought me into Australia. My main aim is to reach out to the grass root population of Tasmanian community. Please find below information abut all my visits, photo, videos and feedback from the students. Thank you to those who made this possible
LIST OF SCHOOLS AND RESPONSES FROM SCHOOL CHILDREN THEIR TEACHERS
St Virgil's College, West Hobart
I visited the St. Virgil's College on the 20th of November 2012. Children from grades five and six where actively listening to my talk. The staff of the school where also incredible.
Please read some of the responses the children gave:
“When Isaiah came I learnt that he wanted to come to Australia because things that were going on in Sierra Leone were disgraceful and because there was a war.”
“I learnt that people are running away from war. They don’t just want to come to a better place so they can get money; I learnt that they flee from war.”
“I learnt that people like Isaiah don’t come to Australia to take over, they come here to have a great life. Over where they live is not so great because they don’t have great medical help. It is hard to get a job there but here we are free and have a supportive government.”
“I learnt from Isaiah that we should be more grateful and that we should help these people in need.”
“I learnt that war is the most terrible thing that can ever happen to anyone in the world and anyone should be able to come and live in peace and harmony.”
"I found that Isaiah passed on some very important messages to our students about the need to include and embrace refugees in Australia. Students were interested to hear Isaiah’s story and it gave many students a realisation of how lucky we are to live in such a peaceful country. I would recommend future visits to Isaiah for students in the upper grades of Primary School. He is a passionate speaker who aims to educate our students on the importance of social inclusion."
One of the Most challenging experience I ever had was facing the Bridgewater Primary School kids who has never seen a black person in their school.
One of the Most challenging experience I ever had was facing the Bridgewater Primary School kids who has never seen a black person in their school.
St. Paul's Catholic School, Bridgewater
To whom it may concern,
"Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai, or Isaiah as he is commonly known, came and spoke to our students on the last day of Term 2, this year".
"Our school is located in an economically disadvantaged area of Hobart, which has a 33% unemployment rate. Many of our students face serious problems at home. Our school remains committed to helping our students to thrive. We aim to support their whole development".
"All students in Grade 3-6 at our school had the privilege of hearing Isaiah speak. It was inspiring for our students to hear of someone who has suffered through extremely challenging and harrowing experiences, yet still have the inner strength to overcome such things. Isaiah has somehow come out the other side, determined to make a positive contribution to his new homeland of Tasmania. Where does such strength come from I wonder?"
"To see our students’ faces, after Isaiah had detailed his experiences, was a magical thing. Here he was Achieving in life. Studying at university, happy and a good sense of humour, a loving and devoted father and committed to helping to people! Despite of everything that had occurred to him, he has made a choice to do so! My students also have this choice. Some don’t have much at all. But they have the choice, of deciding whether they succeed, despite everything that has happened to them. I honestly feel it was the best learning opportunity our school has provided our students with this year. He told our students that when he saw them he saw the next Premiers, Doctors, Nurses and Teachers of Tasmania. That you could achieve no matter what had happened to you and where you came from. This was music to my student’s ears! They still talk about his visit, months later".
"Isaiah has overcome more than most, yet he doesn't feel sorry for himself, when he has every right to. He considers himself a former refugee. Isaiah has taken control of his own destiny. Our state is lucky to have him in our community. He is making a massive impact and developing the social fabric of Tasmania and Australia. It would be worthwhile for any school or person in the wider community to hear Isaiah and his message. It is a message of the best kind. A message of hope".
James Wright, Grade 6 Classroom teacher.
Huonville Primary School, Huonville
Comments from Hounville Primary School Kids on my speech.
Dear Isaiah,
"Your presentation was great. Before it I didn’t even know that Sierra Leone existed". From Liam
"I liked how there was pictures so we didn’t have to picture it and also it did go for a while and I was starting to get hungry even though I just had recess lol". From Sarah
"I liked that I could listen to something that was different and I realised how hard it must have been for you. I also liked the power point that you presented with some videos and pictures and you were a very nice person and your message was pretty cool. I am happy that you have a family and four kids". From Jenny
"I really liked your presentation on Monday. It has really made me want to make a difference. Also to let more refugees into Australia. I understand now what people like you have to go through. I hope you love Australia!" From Tayla
"Your presentation was very well put together and I learnt a lot from it. I learnt that most Asylum Seekers aren’t bad people and most of them are trying to get away from war or racism and many of them have been forced from their homes and countries. I gained a lot from your presentation but I think it was a bit more aimed at adults (because of loads of writing) and some of the pictures may be disturbing to younger students". From Jack
"I thought your presentation was very good. The pictures on the slide show were a bit sad and it was sad to know that it is really what happens over there and not just stories. I couldn't read all the writing fast enough but overall I thought it was a good presentation! Thank you". From Ellie
"I thought your presentation was very interesting. I liked the power point about Sierra Leone and I have learned a lot about refugees and I told my mum and dad about this and they were very interested". From Taylah
"I found your presentation very interesting. I have learnt a lot of interesting things about refugees and how hard it is to live in a refugee camp. You have made me think differently about refugees. Thank you". From Ashton.
"Your presentation was great! I know a lot more about refugees than I did. You have made me think differently about refugees. Your slide show had a lot of information but some of it I didn't understand. It was a great experience". From Lucas.
"I learnt more stuff about refugee camps and what it looks like and the presentation was interesting". From Tiana
"I think your presentation was great. I learnt a lot from it. There might have been a few things in the slide show I didn't quite get but I hope you keep educating people so they understand what you and the people from Sierra Leone went through". From Lauren
"I think your presentation was great. It was at some stages a bit to advanced but overall it was great". From Mitchell.
"Your presentation was excellent, it really showed our year sixes how lucky they have life. It was a heart breaking story and it really described the truth about refugees. People often judge when they don’t know the story. I have always wished that my classmates would understand some of these situations, so I thank you for your story and wish you the best for the future". From Mia.
Kingston Primary School, Kingston
Comments from students
"Living as a refugee sounds like an awful experience – having to flee from your country and living in a camp away from cities and towns for 14 years. I’m glad you came to Australia and that you and your family live a peaceful life". Fraser
"Mr Lahai is an African man who came to our school last week. He came to tell us about his refugee life. In his country people weren’t happy with the government. And the things that they did make me cry. I can barely stop myself thinking about it. This is what I have to say. I wanna cry. I wanna yell. I can’t believe what people went through. It’s worse, even more mean and so bad I can’t even imagine or think about things like that. I can’t even believe things used to be like that. This is what they did. People who wanted change and were not happy with the government went and asked people if they were going to vote for them or for the government. These people were called Rebels. If they said they would vote for the government the Rebels would then ask them if they wear long sleeve t-shirts or short sleeve t-shirts. If they said long sleeve, they would amputate their hands. If they said short sleeve, they would amputate their whole arms. And things got so bad people left the country". Stephanie
"Thank you Isaiah Lahai for coming in to share your interesting story. And I’m sorry for what you and your family have been through". Va’asili
"I thought your story was sad but amazing. I didn’t know any of what happened in Sierre Leone then. You’ve taught me a lot. I was surprised that you were only the age of my brother and you were travelling from refugee camp to refugee camp". Thank You. Sunny
"It’s very sad to hear that children are treated very badly. I hope you all like life in Australia. I hope your family has not been hurt in the war". Prabhnoor
"I thought it was really sad what you went through and how difficult it would be. I hope you have a better life in Tasmania" Ellie
"I’m sorry to hear about what happened in your country. I wanted to cry when I heard about what they did. I hope you feel better in Tasmania and I hope it goes well with you and your family in Tasmania". Sophie
"Hello. I’m so sorry your country had to do that. I can’t imagine what you had to go through. That must have been hard running from your country for three days". Jack
"I’m sorry your country went through this and I hope kids have a fun time in your country now and I hope you have a good time too". Tawan
"It was very sad to hear about your life. I hope it all goes well for you and your family. I hope you like Tasmania for the rest of your life". Kayla
"I hope the stuff that happened in the country you’re from will not happen in Australia. Jacob
Mr Lahai’s speech made me think about what is happening in other countries. It was interesting to learn about it and sad at the same time". Bryce
"To Mr Lahai, I’m sorry about what you have been through. You must have felt really terrible when you were sick. I hope you’re liking it here in Tasmania. All the best in the future. Abbey
It’s sad to see little children’s arms cut off, plus I hope you and your family have a better life here in Tasmania". Mathew
"Mr Lahai came to our school to show us what happened in Sierra Leone. He showed us what happened. Some people were angry at the Government, so then the people that wanted to vote had their hands sliced off and they were kids and adults. So for people to get to safety they had to go to refugee camps and leave their own country. I am so sorry for the people who went through this. I am feeling disappointed that the Rebels would do that. If I lived there I would feel so scared and worried about some people who got so badly hurt that they can’t get to safety. I feel like I should help the people who go through this horrible thing. I wish less of this would happen, so there can be peace to the world and they can feel safe and happy. I hope things go well with you and your family". Jaime
Rokeby Primary School
To whom it may concern,
We had the pleasure of a visit from Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai in February 2013. He spoke to students in grades 5 and 6 about the challenging experiences he has faced in his life.
Rokeby Primary School is located in a low socio economic area. We have a strong focus on high expectations of self at our school and Isaiah highlighted this in his presentation. It was wonderful for the students to hear from Isaiah and how the problems he has faced have shaped him as a strong, resilient individual today, who has overcome disadvantage and tragedy by having high expectations of himself and his achievements.
It was heartening to see the empathy that our students showed towards the experiences Isaiah had faced. It really encouraged them to consider their own expectations of themselves and to be the best they can be. Isaiah provided a strong role model for the students, as he detailed his successes in life. They were encouraged to follow their dreams, no matter what their circumstance. He was living proof for the students that they can succeed in life, with examples of his own successes such as studying at university and becoming a father. His willingness to share his story with the intention of helping others was incredible. He highlighted his choice to focus on the positives in his life and has shown an incredible example of resilience for our students.
The presentation of Isaiah’s experiences was received positively by all students. Isaiah was polite, humorous and honest. The conversation that followed reflected the impact it had on our students. We would highly recommend other schools taking the time to listen, and be open to Isaiah’s story. A story that every child and adult needs to hear. Every person in the room was inspired to not just listen to his story of success, courage and hope, but to understand and most importantly, ACT.
Yours sincerely
Bridget Lockley
AST - Rokeby Primary School Tasmania
Glen Huon Primary School
Riley “I learnt that Isaiah was in a refugee camp for 14 years.”
Charlotte, “I learnt from Isaiah’s visit that civil war is really cruel, children turned against their families. Also if they didn’t vote for the bad people they would get their hands cut off. Isaiah had to run away from his home.”
Andrew, “I learned that Isaiah had to run away from his home and learnt that he lived in Sierra Leone.”
Maddy, “Isaiah had to run from his home to a refugee camp. In refugee camps they treat each other like family. People got their hands cut off it they didn’t vote for the bad people. Isaiah’s mother and father are still in Sierra Leone. He had to run when he was 14.”
“Isaiah was a sad man but now he is happy because he moved from Africa to Tasmania.”
“I learnt from Isaiah that his old country was ruined by war and the rebels. I learned that Isaiah ran away from home to seek refuge and asylum. I also found out that a lot of the rebels were young people talked into the theory that there would be peace at the end of this, but it was a lie.”
Kingston High School, Kingston
PRESLEY: "Isaiah Lahai came to Kingston High School on the 20th of June 2013 for refugee week. His main intention for his visit was to share his story so that students could become familiar with what Refugees had to go through.
I learnt that many refugees do not get a choice where they flee to. I learnt that if you weren’t against the government in Isaiah’s home country, Sierra Leone, you were confronted with harsh consequences including the removal of hands and arms to stop you from voting".
JORDAN: "It really touched me for all the things he had to go through just to have a happy and normal life and it makes me realise that my life isn’t that bad and I’m lucky to live in my country were there’s no civil wars or camps".
MAX: "Isaiah Lahai discussed many things, like his childhood and growing up in Refugee camps. This really touched me with the things he had to go through just to be able to get a little bit of freedom. I now look at myself and think, Life isn’t actually that bad for me. The things he had to go through are a nightmare for me. He explained the racism that was used against him in these times. But this never let him give up on what he wanted. At the times when he was growing up in the Refugee camps a civil war was happening that left him scarce of what was going to happen to him? Luckily, nothing did".
ANDREW: "The impact he left upon me was realisation: I discovered that in society in developing countries is totally different to our modern developed society. I discovered war is cruel, and the government and people with power ruled and did as they pleased. I learnt that in our society I can make a difference, I can contribute and make a difference to make our society stronger and more united".
ELISA: "Mr Isaiah Lahai visited Kingston high on the 20th of June 2013 I found his talk interesting, and quite confronting. He talked about his life growing up, how tough it was. It was very touching and a big eye opener, Mr Lahai grew up in Sierra Leone, and when Isaiah was 14 the civil war had begun, he had to run away and spend 14 years in a refugee camp and then Isaiah moved to Australia and has been living here for about 8 years.
Mr Lahai explained how tough those 28 years, the food and living conditions were atrocious. He couldn’t go and buy fast food; he just got what he was given! He told us about how people got their limbs cut off, it wasn’t just adults it was very young children.
Isaiah Lahai’s story made me realise just how lucky I am to have a home and nice food to eat and so many people out there don’t have opportunities to even go to school and have clean water and fresh food or even a comfy bed.
I believe that everyone should have the right to have a nice home, food to eat, nice clothes and fresh food. I also learnt that even I can make a difference".
SAM: "I learnt many things when Isaiah Lahai came and spoke to us at Kingston High. I learnt about a little country called Sierra Leone that suffered greatly due to a few bad people. I learnt about refugees and what it means to be a refugee. I also learnt what it is like moving to a foreign country where you don’t even know their language. I think what he is doing now is amazing because he is changing people’s thinking and opinions. I was inspired by his experiences that he shared with us and it made me feel like I could make a difference to the lives of millions of people who deserve a better life".
BEN: "Isaiah Lahai came to our school on the 20th of June to tell us his story of being a refugee and fleeing to Australia. Being a former refugee, Isaiah was a very passionate speaker and he held my attention for the entire presentation. Isaiah spoke about how the country he grew up in, Sierra Leone, was a victim of civil war. He told us how he was forced to flee his own country and stayed in several different refugee camps. Isaiah told us that people were tortured by the rebels and their limbs were cut off, I found this very emotional and I’m amazed how Isaiah managed to live through such tough times. Now that he has become an ambassador for grass-root multicultural issues, his story has come to full effect and I believe that this makes his arguments even greater.
I believe that Isaiah Lahai is a great person who is very influential and strong with his own beliefs. I now think that Tony Abbott is completely wrong about refugees, he even calls them “boat people” which is very rude. I found Isaiah Lahai’s story very interesting and eye-opening".
ASHLEIGH: "I learnt what a refugee is, they are not just people who want to move countries, but people who have no choice be to escape from their endangered country. I also found out about the trauma of his experience; he had to travel to many different horrible places, not knowing where he was going next. I realised how much harder his life must have been, rather than the lives we live here in Australia. Most of us have a place to call home and are allowed to stay in our own country, which he is now privileged enough to have.His story impacted me in a way that I know now what goes on in refugee’s lives and how much they really suffer. And they are not just people from a different country to ours that have decided to move to Australia, or any other country. I look forward to telling people his story, and raising awareness about refugees and multiculturalism".
LIANA: "Isaiah explained to us what his life has been like, his childhood experiences and what he hopes for in the future. It helped me to understand how people in Sierra Leone and other war zones live their lives and it became clear what their reasons are for fleeing to Australia. It influenced me to want to make a difference, to help more citizens of Australia to understand refugees and be more accepting of them. I am now much more accepting of refugees and believe they too have rights to live in this country, for what reasons shouldn’t they? By learning about what happens to many people living in these types of situations was slightly emotional and I immediately had respect for them. I have begun to question why refugees should be treated without any respect and deprived of an education and/or future because of where they were born. I hope than many more Australian’s can understand refugees and begin to accept them into this country".
Fahan Primary School, Sandy Bay
Coming up...
