Sanam* and her family were forced to leave Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in 2021. The 28-year-old arrived in Australia in 2022 with her child and husband after being granted humanitarian visas. She was married at a young age, left school and was unable to pursue further education. She faced literacy and language issues in Australia and was dependent on her husband for daily tasks. Sanam started attending SECL’s Digital Literacy program in 2023.

 

Sanam was referred to SECL’s digital literacy program by a friend from her English classes. She attended the program as she hoped to improve her digital literacy skills. At the beginning of the program, Sanam lacked the confidence to ask questions in class and often did not interact with other participants.

During classes, Sanam was supported by other class participants to build her confidence in navigating her smartphone and laptop. She learned for the first time how to use Google Maps to travel independently and was shown how to research information relating to housing, her rights as a tenant, and available properties as she was searching for more affordable private rental. She became aware of the many supports and services available through these classes. Furthermore, as Sanam attended class regularly, she made new friendships with other women in the community and discovered a sense of belonging that she had not felt since arriving in Australia.