When 43-year-old Aziza Anwari arrived in Australia in 2020, she was beginning a new chapter shaped by resilience, creativity and hope for a safer future.
A former journalist and women’s rights advocate in Afghanistan, Aziza has always been deeply connected to arts, culture and community. Before coming to Australia, she ran dance, singing and swimming classes for women, creating supportive spaces where they could connect, express themselves and build confidence.
“I worked in media and community programs that supported women to learn, move and feel empowered,” Aziza shared.
After leaving her home country for political reasons, Aziza spent five years living in India, where she was registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) while awaiting the opportunity to resettle. It was a time of transition and waiting, but it strengthened her resilience and resolve to keep moving forward.
Beginning again in Australia brought a new set of challenges, including rebuilding life from the ground up and being separated from family. Like many people starting fresh in a new country, Aziza faced moments of doubt as she worked to find her footing.
“When I arrived in Australia, I was in a very difficult place,” she said. “I had lost so much and felt unsure about what life would look like next. But coming here gave me the chance to start again. Slowly, I began to believe in myself and what might be possible.”
In 2023, Aziza’s strength and leadership were recognised when she was named Zara’s House Woman of the Year during Refugee Week, honouring her work empowering Afghan and Muslim women while rebuilding her life in Australia.
As she continued to settle into daily life, Aziza was motivated to work but found that English remained a barrier to employment. In 2024, she connected with VERTO, and in February 2025, was referred to the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, marking a turning point in her journey. Her goals were clear: to improve her English communication skills, gain employment, and work towards becoming an Australian citizen.
“My trainers, Leanne and Matt, helped me a lot in learning English,” Aziza said. “I truly enjoy being with the students. The SEE program is not only about learning English, it’s about building confidence, forming friendly connections with Australian classmates, and feeling part of the community.”
Through the SEE program, Aziza strengthened her spoken English, developed practical workplace communication skills, and gained the confidence to express herself, all of which proved critical as she moved closer to employment.
Another long-held dream soon became reality. With support from Mosaic Multicultural Connections in Maitland, Aziza successfully navigated the citizenship process.
“Becoming an Australian citizen was one of my biggest goals,” she said. “It meant safety, belonging, and hope for the future.”
On 26 January 2026, Aziza officially became an Australian citizen, a milestone she describes as a dream come true.
Today, Aziza is preparing to start a new role as a swimming instructor at the University of Newcastle, after being linked to the opportunity through another provider, a role that reconnects her with skills she once shared with women in Afghanistan.
“My favourite thing about Australia is that I can be myself,” Aziza said. “There are unlimited opportunities to grow here.”
Aziza’s story is a powerful example of how the SEE program supports people to rebuild confidence, strengthen communication, and take meaningful steps toward a new future.
For more information about the Skills for Education and Employment program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit www.verto.org.au/skills-for-education-and-employment.
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
