When Bassam first arrived in Australia in January 2020, he felt like he was starting from scratch. “In Iraq, I was a civil engineer and a computer engineer. Here, I felt like I was nothing,” he shared.
Born in Iraq in 1970, Bassam had built a successful career, but the instability and dangers in Iraq left him with no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere. “In my country, life was very difficult. I wanted a better future for my children, which is why we left.”
The struggles in Iraq
Life in Iraq was fraught with danger and uncertainty. “Every day was a challenge,” Bassam recalls. “There were bombings, kidnappings, and constant fear for our safety.” Despite his qualifications and professional achievements, Bassam faced immense pressure just to survive. “I had two degrees, but in a war-torn country, those degrees meant nothing if you couldn’t protect your family.” The situation worsened, and Bassam knew he had to leave. “I couldn’t see a future for my children in Iraq. They deserved to grow up without the constant threat of violence.”
The journey to Australia
The journey to Australia was not easy. Bassam and his family first fled to Lebanon, where they lived for six years. “Lebanon was safer than Iraq, but it was still difficult. I couldn’t work legally, and we struggled to make ends meet,” he says. Despite these challenges, Bassam continued to work informally, using his skills in computer science and interior design to provide for his family. “I couldn’t just sit and do nothing. I had to find a way to support my family.”
After years of waiting, Bassam and his family were granted refugee visas to Australia In January 2020. “It was a dream come true,” he says. “But it was also the beginning of a new set of challenges.” Arriving just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the family faced a new world of uncertainty. “Everything was different – the language, the culture, the way of life. It was overwhelming.”
Building a new life with WISE Employment
Despite these challenges, Bassam was determined to rebuild his life. “I can’t do heavy physical work because of my health. An office job suits me best because of my background in computer science,” he explains. The support from WISE Employment, particularly through the Restart program, was crucial in helping him navigate these challenges. “WISE Employment pushed me to improve my English and find suitable work. They helped me register for English classes, which was very important.”
Bassam’s Employment Consultant at WISE, Sevan Chilingeryan, remembers their first meeting well. “Bassam was determined, but he was also overwhelmed by the changes. His resilience was remarkable. He just needed someone to believe in him and guide him.”
With the support of WISE, Bassam found his first job with Smart Education. “I worked in the office, helping students with their business and retail certificates,” he says. When that job ended, WISE Employment helped him transition to a new role at Training Without Borders. “I’m happy with this job. I’m learning about the rules and laws in Australia, and it’s helping me work towards my citizenship.”
Bassam values the community he has found through WISE Employment. “WISE Employment feels like my second family. They support me not just with job issues, but with personal problems too. Whenever I have a problem, they help me find a solution,” he says. Sevan adds, “It’s about more than just employment. It’s about building a life. We strive to create a supportive community where people feel they belong.”
Bassam’s main goal is to provide a good future for his children. “My eldest daughter is studying for her diploma, and my younger daughter just finished high school with high marks. My son is only seven years old, but I want to save money to help all my children succeed,” he shares. “I can’t stay at home doing nothing. Working gives me purpose and keeps me healthy.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bassam offers advice to others in similar situations. “Finding a job makes me happy. It gives me a sense of purpose. To anyone feeling frustrated, I say, don’t give up. Keep working towards your goals. Life is step by step. Maybe now I’m on the third step, but one day I’ll reach the hundredth.”
Bassam’s story is one of resilience and hope, demonstrating how with the right support, starting over in a new country can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous future.
Sevan sums it up best: “Bassam’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and community. He’s shown that with determination and support, you can overcome any obstacle and build a new life full of promise.”
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