what we value?

Watan Kids Foundation is 100% run by youth volunteers based in Australia who are passionate about helping ease the stressful transition of children and adolescent refugees and asylum seekers into their new Australian communities. As a group of young adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities ourselves, we understand the difficulty of making this transition. We wish to help those who have been unfairly burdened by traumatic experiences in their home countries make meaningful connections with other children and adolescents with similar backgrounds and improve their quality of life and mental health in their new country.

heal

In the context of our work with refugee children, healing encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological recovery from trauma and displacement. Many of these children have faced unimaginable experiences that can leave deep emotional scars, affecting their ability to thrive in new environments. Healing is not just about addressing immediate needs; it involves fostering resilience, rebuilding trust, and creating spaces where children feel safe and supported.

How You Can Support

Donations: Your financial contributions allow us to provide essential services, such as counselling, educational programs, and recreational activities that promote healing.

Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our programs. Whether it’s mentoring, tutoring, or facilitating workshops, your involvement can make a significant difference in a child’s healing journey.

Awareness: Help us spread the word about the challenges faced by refugee children. Share our mission through your networks to help garner support and understanding.

Fundraising: Organise or participate in fundraising events to raise awareness and funds for our healing programs. Every effort helps in creating a more robust support system for these children.

Advocacy: Stand up for policies and initiatives that protect the rights and well-being of refugee children. Your voice can help influence change both locally and internationally.

Together, we can foster a nurturing environment that supports the healing process for refugee children, helping them regain hope and build a brighter future.

support

Support for Refugee Children

At Watan Kids Foundation, we recognise the importance of creating a nurturing environment for refugee children. Supporting our programs is essential to providing these children with a sense of normalcy and joy during challenging times. Our initiatives, including toy drives, fundraising activities, and cultural programs, are designed to foster community, creativity, and connection.

Ways to Support:

Toy Drives
Donating new or gently used toys helps bring smiles to the faces of refugee children. Consider organising a toy drive in your local community or school. Ensure that all donated items are safe and suitable for children, adhering to guidelines to maintain hygiene and quality.

Fundraising
Fundraising activities are crucial for sustaining our programs. You can host events, set up online fundraisers, or participate in sponsored activities. Encourage your network to contribute, and offer transparent information about how funds will be used to support refugee children's needs.

Cultural Programs
Engaging children in cultural programs provides them with a platform to express their heritage and learn from one another. We welcome volunteers to facilitate workshops or activities that promote inclusivity and understanding. Ensure that any program you organise aligns with our mission and is sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of the children we support.

Safety and Well-being

To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children, we encourage supporters to follow these guidelines:

Follow Regulations: Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations when organising events or donating items.

Conduct Background Checks: For those wishing to volunteer directly with children, background checks may be required to ensure a safe space.

Respect Cultural Sensitivities: Approach all interactions with mindfulness of the children's cultural backgrounds and experiences.

By supporting Watan Kids Foundation, you play a vital role in providing essential resources and creating lasting memories for refugee children in our community. Your contributions can help build a brighter future for those who have faced unimaginable challenges. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

empower

Empowerment involves providing refugee children with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. It is about fostering their potential and helping them develop self-confidence, skills, and a sense of agency in their lives.

To empower refugee children, we can focus on several key areas:

Education: Access to quality education is vital. By providing scholarships, school supplies, and tutoring services, we can help children attain academic success and develop essential skills for their future.

Life Skills Training: Offering workshops in life skills such as communication, critical thinking, and financial literacy can prepare children for real-world situations and enhance their problem-solving abilities.

Psychosocial Support: Refugee children often face trauma and instability. Providing counselling services and support groups can help them process their experiences, build resilience, and foster mental well-being.

Creative Outlets: Encouraging creativity through art, music, or sports can help children express themselves, build friendships, and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Community Engagement: Creating opportunities for refugee children to engage with their communities through volunteering or youth leadership programs can instill a sense of belonging and agency.

By implementing these strategies, we can empower refugee children to shape their own destinies, grow into confident individuals, and contribute positively to society.