“How we connected”

Madlin: I’m friends with people of lots of different nationalities – Syrian, Jordanian, Palestinian – but I’m also a single mum to a six-year-old daughter, so I spend a lot of time at home. I joined the app as I wanted to get to know a new person and I really enjoyed it.  

Liz was really easy to talk to. I was surprised to learn that she lived so close to nature; she’d send me pictures of Australian birds and animals which I showed to my daughter, and it was really fun. On average, we messaged two or three times a day. 

Life has been challenging and difficult, and I have sole responsibility for my daughter which is why I haven’t signed up for any employment courses or anything like that. Liz was really encouraging though – she emphasised that life goes on and she gave me so much positive energy. My focus is my daughter and I will always put her needs before my own. The cash assistance I receive from UNHCR doesn’t cover all our expenses but it means I can make sure she has warm clothes, shoes, schoolbooks and the ability to get to school.  

One day, I’d love to have similar experiences to Liz.  I was so sad to say goodbye to her. I want to thank her for the opportunity to talk  and the encouragement she gave me. 

Liz: Exchanging messages with Madlin demonstrated the importance of UNHCR’s cash assistance, but also how much Madlin has achieved. She is 25 years old. She has been able to move from a refugee camp, find rental accommodation and build a new life with her daughter. This is a real achievement. The cash assistance she receives from LWF means her daughter can attend a local school, wearing a uniform just like the other kids. I told her I admired her courage and determination in starting anew on her own.  

I could see that her child was the centre of her life. I don’t have children of my own, but I have step-children and step-grandchildren, so I know that six is a delightful age. Madlin and her daughter both loved seeing photos of our local wildlife (including a bush turkey, pelicans and cockatoos eating out of our pot plant). She told me she lives in a city that is dry and hot, with few trees. She said all her childhood memories were erased in the war. 

I really enjoyed our messages and I was so incredibly happy to be part of Connecting Worlds. My hope for Madlin is that she can have a comfortable, decent life with her daughter.