The following story is an extract from an interview with Hashem Slaimankhel in 2015 as part of a publication to celebrate 10 years of Settling In, an initiative to support successful migrant and refugee settlement in New Zealand in partnership with families and communities.
As a child, Hashem Slaimankhel had dreams of becoming a doctor and running his own hospital. That was before the hostilities in Afghanistan that saw so many Afghanis flee their homeland to seek refuge in other parts of the world.
Hashem remembers the night that he left home:
“Everyone was very quiet, even the guard dogs. We left wearing the clothes that we were in, some had no shoes – we walked for eight days to cross the border into Pakistan.”
“After 10 years we have achieved a lot – most importantly we feel like we are a part of the decision-making process.”
By 1989 Hasheem had made it to New Zealand as a refugee. Although he had managed to qualify as a doctor in Pakistan, it was not easy for Hashem to transfer these skills to the New Zealand context. But Hashem has remained connected to the health system and today works for the Auckland District Health Board as a Refugee Health Worker, a position he has held for 12 years. He is also a prominent leader and an active member of the Auckland Afghani community, which numbers around 5000.
A tireless worker
Like so many community leaders who find themselves in this role, Hashem works tirelessly and wears a number of different hats. In addition to his own family and work commitments, he sits on a several different boards and committees and is often called upon to represent the Afghan community in New Zealand.
“After 10 years we have achieved a lot – most importantly we feel like we are a part of the decision-making process. Before the Auckland Refugee Community Coalition [ARCC], we did not have a collective voice. Now we feel that we are listened to and supported.” The ARRC was established in 2006 with the help of Settling In, an initiative to support successful migrant and refugee settlement in New Zealand.
Trust provides support
Hashem does a lot to help Afghan families cope with the issues they face as newcomers with different cultures, languages and belief systems. He is chairperson of the Umma Trust, which provides social support to Muslim women, children and families in Auckland. His passion for this work is clear as he lists the many activities that Umma Trust does to make life better for Muslim families in Auckland.
“There are yoga classes, a swimming programme for women and girls at Cameron Pool, the Mothers’ Group and the May Road Women’s session where they learn about healthy cooking, budgeting, parenting and all sorts. These things give the women tools to live in New Zealand with confidence, they empower them.”
Hashem says that the strong relationships forged within this context have been important.
“Working with Jenny Janif (from Settling In) is very easy – she is so helpful and she understands the support that we need. Settling In helps refugee communities with social issues – the isolated women and problems within families – that is the work that Umma Trust does, so it all works well together.”
Empowering men
Hashem has played a large role in helping his community to consider issues they face around family violence. This work was recognised in 2010 when he was given an award by the New Zealand Police, Settling In, and the Auckland City Council to acknowledge the work he has done in this arena. Having men involved in programmes to deal with family violence within Muslim refugee communities is crucial, and Hashem plays a major role engaging men in the solutions. Hashem has been one of several men from Umma Trust who have taken part in White Ribbon events – including handing out ribbons at Warriors games.
“We were like trailblazers – making it okay for men in Muslim communities to stand up against family violence.”
Striving for a bright future
Hashem is pleased with the progress made by the Afghan community over the last 10 years but also recognises that there is still a lot to be done. Getting meaningful work is a constant struggle for those from refugee backgrounds – they have many barriers to overcome – but he knows the difference that this can make to a family.
“If one person in the family has a job it is like a candle in the dark, something bright for family members to hold on to.”
Making sure that young refugees are strong, positive and proud of their identity is also a concern for Hashem.
“Those with a strong identity achieve easily and become a positive citizen; those who do not have that get lost.”
“Those with a strong identity achieve easily and become a positive citizen; those who do not have that get lost.”
Hashem continues to work and advocate for good resettlement of refugees, and his track record in working with others to get practical results, his warmth and his incredibly positive attitude will surely help.
“Humanity must come first – if you do something with good heart then you’ll achieve it easily.”