HARMONY DAY 2014

HARMONY DAY 2014EVERYONE BELONGS

By NAVITAS ENGLISH AMEP DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS

1HUE from VietnamWhen I first came to Australia , my friend and I thought that only Australians lived here, but turned out we were wrong. There are lots of other people who have come from different countries that live here. So that makes Australia multicultural and we call the day we celebrate that Harmony Day. Harmony Day is on 21 of March. It is a day where everyone who is from different countries calls Australia home. This is a very special day.By getting involved in Harmony Day we get to understand more about how all Australians from different backgrounds equally belong in this country and together we can make a better place for everyone.

2

Janet EdwardsFrom the Philippines

I am very luckyBecause living in Australia is the best thing that has happened to me in my whole lifeEven though I miss my family in the Philippines, my loving husband and his family support me and make me feel at home here.Learning English in DL and at TAFE is a bit challenging, but wonderful.One day I hope to be a nurse here and contribute to the community.Nothing is impossible in Australia if you are willing to have a go.Giving up is not a choice, but it is up to me to make and live the best possible life here in this wonderful country.

3SHIRLEY from China

I have lived in Australia for two years now in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.Before I got married I lived in Guang Zhou and worked in the Land Resources Department for 15 years and I enjoyed this job very much.Even though I miss my family, friends and my job in China I feel very lucky that I am now happily married and live in beautiful Australia.Life in Australia is relaxing and enjoyable because people are very friendly.Opportunities here are plentiful and I want to study Certificate 3 in Aged Care and work and care for old people who need me.Now I feel that I am really starting to settle in.Good things are happening to me all the time and I really enjoy my life in Australia.4SVETLANA from KazakhstanEveryone Belongs- This world is: tranquillity and stability on the Planet!

5CHADAPORN from ThailandI feel that Australia is my second homeBecause I feel happy and safeEverybody is equalLucky to learn and liveOpportunity to live independentlyNatural beautyGenuine people

6HANH from Thailand"Everyone belongs" means a lot to me. I live here now so it's important that I can be a part of this community. Now that my English is getting better and I have my drivers licence, I really feel I belong in Australia. Thank you to the AMEP.

7Irene from SwitzerlandMy name is Irene. I am from Switzerland, and I am 57 years old. I live in Tailem Bend SA,with my Australian husband of 1 year. I have been in Australia for 2 years. Australia fascinates me a lot and Im starting to belong in this country. I have gone mining in Coober Pedy, oyster farming in Ceduna and I have travelled to many places in Australia. When I am cycling or walking early in the morning on a country path I get a feeling of belonging too.

8PING from Hong KongIMAGINE living in a country as BEAUTIFUL as Australia, where EVERYBODY LIVES together in harmony and peace. OBJECTIONS are accepted. NATIVE Australians are also living with us. It'sGREAT to be an Australian.

9

THANH from VietnamMy Aussie Mum Beth is there for me and makes me feel at ease.Whenever we are in need,she knows just how to please.She has always been a friend to me and makes my life a breeze.

10

NORIKO from Japan

Belonging for me means going to kids parties and bringing kids together with the art of face painting.

Everyone smiles, laughs, jokes and mixes in together.11LIFANG from ChinaI love AustraliaBecause Everyone is treated fairlyLife is peaceful and under low pressureOff we goNever get bored travelling around the countryGreat place, my sweet home.

12JOANNA from Queensland

I live an active life in this gorgeous country.Beautiful weather is a blessing here.Enjoying the spectacular views of this mountainous property.Loving my husband and two boys.O, for a life of experience rather than one of thoughts.Never look back, always towards the future.Glad to be in Australia :)

13CHITIMA from Thailand" Everyone Belongs "I have alwaysBelonged as a Thailand citizenEnjoying,Love and contentmentOnly,NowGrowing and developing as an Australian.

14JANET from The Philippines

I am very luckyBecause living in Australia is the best thing that has happened to me in my whole lifeEven though I miss my family in the Philippines, my loving husband and his family support me and make me feel at home here.Learning English in DL and at TAFE is a bit challenging, but wonderful.One day I hope to be a nurse here and contribute to the community.Nothing is impossible in Australia if you are willing to have a go.Giving up is not a choice, but it is up to me to make and live the best possible life here in this wonderful country.

15JULIA from Ukraine

I have a lovely family and live in WhitsundayBeautiful place with rainforests, the Reef and islands aroundEven found a job in spite of many rejectionsLife is getting better and better nowObsessed by my orchard around my house No way can I live anywhere else, Gorgeous Australia! God bless Australia! Everyone belongs in their own created world. I have created my perfect world with my beautiful daughter Olivia and my husband in the perfect Whitsunday, Australia, where we belong. 16

YELENA from UzbekistanImmense chances weall have By being in this countryEveryone has equal rightsLucky, friendly mates.Overwhelming happiness fills me when I seeNature and people living in harmonyGorgeous Australia, I thank you!

17KATALIN from HungaryI came to Australia in 2006 from Hungary with my husbandBeginning a new life here wasnt easy with a lot of challenges for both of us.Every day we worked hard and now we both have got good jobs.Life is beautiful on the sunny Gold Coast. Oceans, beaches, sun and surf are plentiful.Never say neverGo for your dreams and reach your goals.

18

ANIL from India

I feel I belong in Australia already.

Before coming here with my wife, daughter and son a year ago , I used to live in India.

Everything is better here compared to India, e.g. transport, the health system and the environment, so in a nutshell, the quality of life is really good.

Living on the northern beaches in Sydney is wonderful.

Over the one year we have lived here, my family and I have achieved a lot in terms of education, so now I have a Certificate 3 in Aged Care, Disability and First Aid and I am currently doing Certificate 4 in Aged Care.

Now I am working with older people who need to be looked after and cared for and I love my job very much.

Getting a job here has been a big achievement for me and I am feeling very proud of myself and my family as we have settled in so well already here in this wonderful country, Australia!19

RAM from NepalI have been in Australia for 6 years now and I love living here.Before I came here I lived in South Korea and worked in a factory as a trainee worker. Every person I have met in Australia has been very kind and helpful to me and now I work in a team as a cleaner, however, my goal is to become an aged care worker. Life here with my family is good and we enjoy outdoor activities in the clean fresh air. Other members of the family live near us and we meet every weekend with them. Nepal is our home country and we miss the beautiful countryside and friends and family there. Great things have happened to us here and we know that our future looks bright inthis wonderful country, Australia.

20

YASMEEN from IndiaI - we all are from different countriesBut still we are here in this beautiful countryEnjoying the daily life with each otherLovely country, loving to be here like0ne flag with different colours , still we areNourishing and fitting in this countryGetting together and celebrating Harmony Day.

21GLAUCIA from BrazilI came to Australia in 2009 from Brazil to start a new life.Beginning my life here was difficult, but after a while I made friends and in 2011 I met a wonderful man, who later became my husband.Everything changed when our daughter was born; Life really started then as Our family grewNow I really feel Australian and hoping to get a job in child care soon.Great opportunities are all around me and my family and we just need to make the best of our lives here in this beautiful country.

22SARKA

I came to Australia in 2005 from the Czech RepublicBecause I wanted to start a new exciting life.Even though it wasn't easy to start off with, I did my best to stay here.Life was so different at the beginning but beautiful.Over the years I adapted and changed.Now my partner and I are expecting our first baby and life is really exciting.Girl or boy doesn't matter, but we know that this new little Australian will grow up in a wonderful country, full of opportunities.

23

MARISSA from PhilippinesI'm Happy Living in AUSTRALIABeing a part of it isEXCITING! People are nice and friendly.Loving and Caring Hubby that I have makes me feel so lucky!Oh! What a great country we have! People from different NATIONs, Countries, including Europe and AsiaGather together as one, one family, one life, one good future we will bring!

24SIU KUEN from Hong Kong

25MUNAWAR from Pakistan

In God we trustBelieving that in AustraliaEveryone has the opportunity to Live in peace and worship freelyOne nation with people of manyNationalities living together and allGiving thanks for our good fortune26

AMIRAH from IraqI came to Australia in 2011 with my family from Syria and settled in Brisbane.

Brisbane was lovely, but we moved to Fairfield because we thought there would be more chances for my husband to get a job.

Everything is better here because we have friends and family around us.

Learning English with my teacher Lisbeth in DL is very good and it helps me to live a better life here.

Outside my house there is a small garden with trees and flowers and we like to be there and play and have dinner together.

Now my son goes to a good school and I go to a community English class with my friends and we learn English, but we also chat together in Arabic while the children play.

God bless Australia for giving us this opportunity to live a new and happy life here.

27AFDILAH from IndonesiaI have been in Australia for six years now.

Before I came here I lived in Indonesia and looked after my husband and our four boys.

Even though I miss my family in Indonesia I feel we have settled in very well here and feel at home.

Life in Australia is harmonious and beautiful.

Only, learning English has been challenging for me, but my English is improving.

Now I feel more confident speaking with people and I am working part-time.

Getting a Certificate in Aged Care is my goal and I know I will achieve this in the future.

28KULWINDER from IndiaINTEGRITYBELIEVABLEEQUALITYLONG LASTINGOPENNESSNOBLEGREAT

29MEILI from China I am Meili Long and Icome from China. I have been learning Englishwith Distance Learning at Navitas. I am studying in Level 3.LearningEnglish has helped me enjoy life here and I feel connected to Australia.

30NATALIA from Indonesia It doesn't matter what colour, culture, race of people you are, or what clothes you wear, what language you speak, food you eat, or your religious belief - everyone in Australia is welcome and belongs, and has the right to live in Australia without fear of prejudice.

31

RARIN from ThailandGolf and I belong together! I think its very interesting .I used to think it wasa boring game but Ive now changed my mind. I never played sport before I came to Australia, so its my first sport and I love it. Its good for your brain and good exercise too. You have to walk 18 holes and it takes about 4 hours to play. I also get to meet people and make new friends. This really helps my English. Interesting, isn't it?

32WANNA from ThailandThe wallabies come out of the long grass and scrub on to our land one hour before dark, sometimes earlier if it is raining. They like the long grass where we have not mowed. Some of the mothers have joeys in their pouches. We have to have a fence around our vegetable garden. It does not have to be a high fence as they do not jump when they are eating. Some nights we hear dingoes around the house and all the wallabies go away

33XIAOQING from ChinaI am from China and I have been living in Tamworth for 11 months. I like the people here and there are no traffic jams! There are many beautiful gardens and people like to grow trees, flowers and vegetables. There are many forests in the hills around Tamworth so I have fresh air to breathe every day!

34JIANHUINow, I plan for my future and keep learning for my goal. I will be a good citizen who contributes to this country, because Australia is my new home and I feel I belong.

I was worried about my future on my first day in Australia. Generally, it is not easy for a freshman to adapt the local culture, communication, language, and life style. However, two years passed, I feel that I belong in here.In Australia, Government provides opportunities to me to learn. Navitas teachers teach me English, locals culture and how to find a new job. My English teacher always tell me that I need to keep learning for prepare the future anytime. I become more and more confident and independent person.

35CHERRY from The PhilippinesMy daughter and I love to join the rest of the family at the beach. We love the sun, the sand and the sea. We love watching other people from different countries who like us, belong here in Australia.

I love AustraliaBecause its the best country in the worldEveryone is equalLand of beautyOur people are from all over the worldNew people are treated fairly Great to be here

36ELENA from The PhilippinesIts an island we live on But we all come from different landsEnglish unites us all as one still Loving our home countryOnly now, we call Australia our ownNever gonna leave this place cos wereGrowing harmoniously together!

People have their own choices and they decide for their existence but I chose to live in Australia where I belong because I can discover, explore, experience, learn and have a good life here.

37

BARBARA from PolandInfinite equality in a wide cultural and ethnic diversity Blend of different cultures and racesEveryone is welcome and respected despite his originLiving peacefully under one roof and working together for prosperity of AustraliaOld and new owners of this landNo one should feel rejectedGreat home for people from all around the world

WAFA from Iraq

38MICHAEL from Germany

In Australia we are livingBrilliantly and we areEnjoying our goodLife in the most expensive cityOr in the country where we have equal rights as one anotherNations and of course people live in thisGorgeous country

39HELENA from IranI love AustraliaBecause the air is clear and niceEveryone is living togetherLoving and laughingOne of the most natural placesNever having a warGot to be the best place on earth

40ISANKA from Sri Lanka

I love to meet people who are from various countries Being nice to people Enjoying lifeLaughingOpportunities there are many in Australia Never get discouragedGood things happen in Harmony

41HANAN from LebanonI think the environment is very importantBecause it makes you feel happyEven if you are not born in AustraliaLets try to understand the different cultureOthers respect othersNever forget that you are a part of this societyGood to live in Harmony

42

YASMIN from IraqI love AustraliaBeautiful countryEach and all a lovely placeLearning in EnglishOne big AustraliaNice weatherGood people live in Australia !

I liketo Bea littlE part of Australiaand hope that AustraLiaenjOys all these straNge people like mewho create this amazinG far away worldYULIA from Russia43HIRU

Though we are from a different cultural background, we belong to Australia now. Lets enrich Australia together. We feel we belong in here through contributing to community events. Recently, we have joined in on Pink Stumps Day to raise funds for the Cancer Council. 44GUICHANG from China I BELONG I like to cookBeautiful life in the futureEmerald is where I live Love me, love my dogOvertaking is dangerous No traffic jams in hereGetting better with time

45GAD and REFKA from EgyptEveryone belongsWe, as a family, belong to Australia. Because we like and respect people from different cultures, races and religions just like Australia does. This beautiful, diverse countrys doors are open to all good hearted, nice people. Australia is made up by us living together peacefully.

46YULINDA from Indonesia I BELONGIn the beautiful country in which we live,We still need courage and BravenessIn all our EndeavoursSharing Laughter and good companyIs just like it was in the hOme countryNestling in peace and harmonyGetting good spirits and embracing the future

47ELENA from Russia What do you give to your middle aged Siberian wife for Christmas? A surfboard! I really didn`t expect to get that kind of present. I haven`t had any experience before. All my life I could only ski. I never thought I would learn to ride a surfboard when I came to Australia, but now I feel I really belong to the life here.

I have been living in Australia for almost three years. Many times I observed how Australians ride surfboards. I never had any thoughts in my mind that one day I would be able to do it. So, the time to learn to ride on a surfboard was here. My husband was a good teacher for me. The only thing which was difficult to overcome, was my fear of depth. It is taking me a long time to overcome my weakness. I never paid attention to the positions of waves in the ocean before, but now I am becoming an expert at it . It is really great fun to ride on a surfboard, and it is good physical training as well. I am very glad I have new skills in that kind of entertainment.I have accepted the diversity life in Australia and really enjoy it.

48MEIYING from China This is the day I said YES to my husband Steve Masters, This is the day I said YES to make Clermont of QLD my home townIm happy and proud of being a part of Clermont and Australia.

49RAMYA from IndiaI bear a charmed life ofBeing in this country withElimination of Racial DiscriminationLeading a peaceful life by standingOn our own which gives us the strength toNail ourcoloursto the mast, and makes us Get up and go to get our ducks in a row

50

ROSSELYN from Venezuela My name is Rosselyn and I live and work on a dairy farm. I have been living in Australia for more than 4 years and it has been really amazing. I think that this is a beautiful country with wonderful people that make me feel at home.I am very happy living in Australia.Beautiful and very kind people that are welcoming.Enjoying my life here with my husband and dogs.Living on a beautiful dairy farm.Of course I love this country.No doubt I feel so blessed for being part of Australia.Going to have a baby soon that will add happiness to my life.

51SVETLANA from Russia

I am Inspired Inhabitant ofBeautifulEnjoyableLovelyOptimistic OzzieNationGorgeous

52REEM from IraqI belong to a new communityBut I still miss my homeEvery week I go to the community council.Living in Australia is wonderful.Overseas the life is different.Nothing will stop my dreams.Good friends are very important.

53

Everyone belongs means; everyone is equal and everyone should respect other peoples culture equally.

MYTHILI54

ERI from JapanI love living in AustraliaBecause the environment is goodEach and every person is niceLiving in safetyOwn religion is permittedNice serviceGod bless you

FAREEHA from PakistanIndependent religious lifeBeing an AustralianEnjoying lifeLiving in a beautiful countryOriginal thingsNear the oceanGreeting people

55

GIRISHI love AustraliaBecause we live happily together Embracing our futureLiving peacefully likeOne roof many cultural varietiesNever alone holding hand together to make a great Australia and Great Australian

56TAICHANG and ZONGYI from China

My name is Taichang (Male). My name is Zongyi (Female). We are from China. We have been studying English for a year here. Daniel is our teacher. He teaches English very well. We learned a lot about Australia. We have been to many places to travel and visit in Australia. We enjoy the fresh air, blue sky, sunshine and the golden beaches. We feel that the people who live here are very friendly. We live very happily. We like it here. 57ALINE from Lebanon

I Love AustraliaBecause I feel in peaceEveryone belongs to Australia Lebanese culture isOne of my favouritesNo one would forget her country Good to live in Australia

58ERI from ChinaI love Australias living Because the environment is goodEach and every person is niceLiving in safety Own religion is permitted Nice service God bless you

59

BHAWANI from Sri LankaHarmony day reminds me that everyone belongs to Australia without any difference of gender, race, language, religion and age.

60

ELENA from UkraineThe expression `Everyone belongs` shows the main idea that all Australians form an important part of our country. This is special day for all of us. It doesnt matter what colour your skin, cuisine, language, culture and traditional practices, we all belong to this world that we have built.

61HANH from Vietnam

I love Australia,But I still want to find out more.Every day I see a smile.Living with multiculturalismOver the moon and over the sea.Now we are here.Gathering together forever.

62VICENTE from Spain

I belong to thisBeautiful country and I try toEnjoy being together in this wonderful land,Live in harmony and we must not forget the rights Of the original owners of this land; without the fully acceptance andNurturing of the other people that are residing here, this Great land will never be as one

63MAHDII feel I have freedom living in Australia But I need to learn more about peopleEnable to live with these diverse people peacefully. Living harmoniously with all people in here One big country with different lovely people from all over the world Need to know caring people is my dutyGiving people hope and treat them the best

64KEVIN from ChinaIn such a huge worldBeing such one little piece Every day I remind myselfLet your heart open to the othersOnly in this wayNo one will be abandonedGreat future will come

65

ZHENG I went to the Sydney Opera House with my classmates and teacher last month. My classmates are from different countries around the world, such as India, Sri Lanka, Iraq and China. We had lunch together at a park and shared the food. After the lunch, we took some photos. We had a good time together.

66KAMONCHAT from ThailandAustralia is a unique and diverse country and many of Australians have come from different nations. So if I can explain what "Everyone Belongs" means I think every Australians are equally belong to this country, disregarding their culture, race and religion. Everyone understands and respects each other.

67

EKATERINA from Russia

It took me a while to adjust to new ways of doing things but Im a fast learner and I soon felt I knew my way around and belonged here in my new adopted country. I can never forget my homeland but it doesnt matter where you live as long as you are surrounded by people whom you love and who love you.

68

POMPY from Bangladesh

I would like to develop my careerBangladesh is a beautiful countryEnglish is an international languageLearning EnglishOn each and every dayNone can prosper in life without industryGreat fun to play games

69RAMY from Egypt

I am proud to be in the country I love.Blessed by God to be here in peace.Enjoying and having fun with all the Aussies.Lovely land to me.Oh, I cant wait to see you.No fear, because my country is strong and free. Get ready for the new life.

70ZARNIGOR from UzbekistanBelonging makes you want to be part of something greater than yourself.

71PETER from Hungary

We are enjoying the afternoon sun near the marina with our family and friends.

72

NATCHANUN from Thailand Harmony Day means I feel accepted in my new country. I feel like Australia is my home now. l've beenhere about 6 years and I've enjoyed every day. I feel very comfortable in Australia because people here are friendly like Thai people.

73THE ENDTHANKS FOR WATCHING 74