By Luke Voogt
Six dedicated refugee teens are diving headfirst into the culture of their new country at Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (TSLSC).
Say K Pu Dreamer is one of the group getting involved in the iconic Aussie pastime through Diversitat’s Equip Program.
“I was really scared of water,” the 17-year-old said. “But when we went to play on the beach I felt much more comfortable. We’re all like family.”
Say grew up in Thai refugee camp after her family fled persecution in Myanmar decades ago, living off monthly rations of mostly rice and fish paste.
“It’s really hard to go outside – you don’t have any normal freedom,” she said. “I have a lot of friends who still live there.”
She now lives in Corio with her family after migrating three years ago, and is in her final year of VCE while working part time.
“My mum’s cousin was already living in Australia – he helped us to come here,” she said.
Say was looking forward to Australia Day this week, which for her has a special significance:
“One of my close friends (from the refugee camp) came over on Australia Day so I’ll probably hang out with her.”
Say dreams of becoming a police officer and hopes volunteering in Torquay will increase her prospects.
“I would like to do a job where I can help the community,“ she said.
Tamil asylum seeker Sathees Santhrakumar said the Equip Program had taught him the “life skill” of swimming.
“If I know how to swim I can protect myself and I can protect other people,” he said.
“When I came to Australia I had people looking after me so I want to give back.”
The 18-year-old Sri Lankan came to Australia alone by boat at the age of 14. He spoke no English at the time.
“My parents were planning to come themselves but they couldn’t,” he said.
He has just completed VCE and wants to work as a social worker.
“I learnt everything in Australia,” he said in fluent English.
Already he has notched up volunteer work for Red Cross, Edmund Rice Camps and in aged care, as well as surf lifesaving.
“I’m loving it here – I don’t want to go back,” he said. “The people are very friendly and there’s freedom here.
Project officer Janelle Hearn said the Equip Program was about the teens getting vital work experience within their new community.
“There’s nothing more Aussie than being a surf lifesaver.”
“We know how hard it is for young people to get a job now so you can imagine how hard it would be for people from a refugee background.”
Ms Hearn thanked the TSLSC and the club’s captain Tony White welcoming “these young people with open arms”.
