Refugee Week 2026: One of a Million Stories

As part of Refugee Week 2026, Mercy Works staff and Mercy Works Connect volunteers from across Australia came together for a special webinar to hear from guest speaker, Maisam Waseem.

This year’s Refugee Week theme, A Million Stories, marks the significant milestone of Australia granting more than one million permanent humanitarian visas since the end of the Second World War. It reminds us that behind every number is a person, a family, and a unique story.

Maisam shared one of those stories.

Originally from Afghanistan, Maisam worked for a community organisation that supported education and opportunities for women and girls. When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, it became unsafe for him and his family to remain in the country.

Leaving behind their home, careers, extended family and community, Maisam, his wife and children began an uncertain journey. They travelled to Pakistan and later to Malaysia while applying for protection and resettlement. In early 2023, they received the news that their Australian humanitarian visas had been approved.

Arriving in Perth marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Like many people from refugee backgrounds, Maisam and his family faced the challenge of starting again in a new country, navigating a different language, culture and way of life while building new connections and support networks.

Reflecting on what made a difference during those early days in Australia, Maisam shared a simple but powerful insight:

His words resonated deeply with Mercy Works Connect volunteers, many of whom spend time each week supporting children, young people and adults from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds as they settle into life in Australia.

Today, Maisam is giving back to the community that welcomed him. He works as an Education Assistant at a senior secondary school in Perth, supporting students from refugee and multicultural backgrounds. Drawing on his own lived experience, he helps students build confidence, strengthen their English and navigate the challenges of settling into a new country.

During the webinar, Maisam spoke about the importance of kindness, understanding and belonging.

“As we look to the future,” he said, “I believe there is something everyone can do to support refugees. It starts with kindness. It starts with listening. It starts with making people feel welcomed and included.”

For Mercy Works Connect volunteers, these words reflected the heart of the program. Through consistent support, encouragement and friendship, volunteers help learners feel connected, valued and welcomed in their communities.

Refugee Week is an opportunity to celebrate the courage, resilience and contributions of people who have sought safety in Australia. It is also a reminder that every refugee story is unique.

Maisam’s story is one of a million stories.

We thank Maisam for sharing his journey with honesty, generosity and hope, and for reminding us of the profound impact that welcome, belonging and human connection can have on a person’s life.