Our Stories
Maali's Story
Prior to migrating to Australia, Maali* worked in the IT field in Jordan. After arriving in Australia with her family, she faced challenges adapting to a new culture, language, and environment. Although she hoped to find employment, she felt she needed local experience and greater confidence in communicating in English.
To improve her speaking and listening skills, Maali began volunteering as a receptionist at Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre. Although staff offered Maali opportunities to volunteer in IT, she intentionally chose a reception role to improve her confidence in speaking with people.
“At the beginning I was very scared because everything was new here – the language, the culture, everything. I wanted to improve my communication and help people at the same time.”
Working alongside supportive staff and volunteers helped Maali gradually become more confident communicating with others. Through greeting visitors, answering phones, registering community members for events, and assisting people at reception, she developed stronger communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
“I learnt to ask questions if I didn’t understand something. Everyone I met here was very kind. People were happy to help us and repeat things slowly when we needed. That made everything easier.”
Volunteering also provided Maali with important social connections and emotional support during settlement in Australia. While she initially missed her family, making friends through volunteering and particularly enjoying community activities helped her feel more connected to the community.
“The centre is very welcoming. I love the events for volunteers and families. They encourage us to do our best and help the community.”
Today, Maali feels proud of how far she has come. Her children, who were initially worried she would struggle with English, are now proud of her.
“Life is not hard, we just need to make it easy on ourselves. Don’t stress yourself all the time. If you don’t try, you will never learn.”
Prior to migrating to Australia, Maali* worked in the IT field in Jordan. After arriving in Australia with her family, she faced challenges adapting to a new culture, language, and environment. Although she hoped to find employment, she felt she needed local experience and greater confidence in communicating in English.
To improve her speaking and listening skills, Maali began volunteering as a receptionist at Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre. Although staff offered Maali opportunities to volunteer in IT, she intentionally chose a reception role to improve her confidence in speaking with people.
“At the beginning I was very scared because everything was new here – the language, the culture, everything. I wanted to improve my communication and help people at the same time.”
Working alongside supportive staff and volunteers helped Maali gradually become more confident communicating with others. Through greeting visitors, answering phones, registering community members for events, and assisting people at reception, she developed stronger communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
“I learnt to ask questions if I didn’t understand something. Everyone I met here was very kind. People were happy to help us and repeat things slowly when we needed. That made everything easier.”
Volunteering also provided Maali with important social connections and emotional support during settlement in Australia. While she initially missed her family, making friends through volunteering and particularly enjoying community activities helped her feel more connected to the community.
“The centre is very welcoming. I love the events for volunteers and families. They encourage us to do our best and help the community.”
Today, Maali feels proud of how far she has come. Her children, who were initially worried she would struggle with English, are now proud of her.
“Life is not hard, we just need to make it easy on ourselves. Don’t stress yourself all the time. If you don’t try, you will never learn.”
