As part of the Unity in Diversity program, 60 students from St. Francis school had an opportunity to visit and tour Marion Mosque on 4 March 2021.
They also held conversations on Islam and Muslims, particularly on topics such as fasting and the difficulty associated with it, racism and the difference between cultural and religious practices.’
Our CHSP* seniors were treated to a free film screening “Kabullywood” and a short documentary “Bakery” at the Mercury Cinema on 18th February 2021. The film is part of a free series of 6-week screenings organized by the recently launched South Asian Seniors’ Film Club. Their aim is to build friendships and social connections for older South Australians, showcasing films from South Asia.
It was a day full of fun and entertainment as our seniors were treated to free lunch of Afghan Borani Banjan served with fresh Afgan bread, muffins and warm saffron tea.
*CHSP= Commonwealth Home and Support Program
On the 14th of January 2021, MWASA organized a BBQ get-together with our CHSP* seniors in Thorndon Park. It was a perfect outing to start off the new year.
The seniors began the activity by strolling down the reservoir. This was a great opportunity for them to increase physical activity and therefore, improve their health and wellbeing.
While waiting for the food to cook, the seniors chatted away with their peers while appreciating the beautiful weather and scenery. Many even assisted to help with the cooking process!
Once the food was cooked, the seniors enjoyed the delicious spread of food with their peers while basking in the beautiful outdoors.
It can definitely be said that this outing was a very therapeutic and relaxing experience for the seniors and they are keen for future outings!
*CHSP= Commonwealth Home Support Program
A talk on Centrelink payment was held on 28 January 2021 at MWASA for our CHSP* seniors.
Tanya Kaplan from Services Australia began the session by sharing the general information on the types of payments available and its eligibility criteria as well as teaching the seniors how to navigate Centrelink for help.
Tanya also touched on the topic which was close to their heart, i.e. on age pension payment, providing information as to how much they received based on the Assets Test and factors that could affect payment such as leaving the country for a period of time.
An interpreter for Uyghur speakers was present to facilitate understanding of the topic.
The seniors were very attentive and engaged during the talk and enquired many questions. The seniors find informational talks like these to be very beneficial and hope to attend more in the future.
*CHSP= Commonwealth Home Support Program
The year 2020 had its ups and downs, however here at Muslim Women’s Association of SA we strive to continue providing the best to our clients and members.
Scroll down to see our highlights from July to December 2020, and reminisce the wonderful memories we had in 2020.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the seniors were advised to stay at home. As such, MWASA has provided our CHSP seniors with scrumptious meal packs that were delivered by our kind volunteers.
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On the 17th of December 2020, our SETS* youth headed to Zone Bowling on Cross Road for some fun-filled bowling. The youth had a blast during this outing since it was a first-time experience for most of them. It was a good social sport as they interacted with one another between turns and supported their teammates throughout the friendly competitions.
The youth thoroughly enjoyed this outing and look forward to similar activities in the future.
*SETS= Settlement Engagement and Transition Support
On the 15th of December 2020, MWASA organised a session on ‘Understanding My Utility Bills’ for SETS* mothers. This session was conducted to assist our clients to develop a better understanding of their utility bills and their usage as well as learning ways to reduce these bills.
The session was presented by Sabina, an Energy Advisor from Uniting Communities. She covered topics on appliances that contribute to a higher bill, tariffs and charges and the concession rights they may be eligible to apply. Sabina also assisted them on how to read their bills and what to look for in understanding their bills. The clients were given a magnetic indoor thermometer and useful resources in their preferred language as takeaway souvenirs.
Overall, the clients found the session very informative as it helped them understand their bills and identify solutions to reduce them.
*SETS= Settlement Engagement and Transition Support
On the 10th of December 2020, the CHSP* seniors visited Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf for strawberry picking.
19 seniors along with Urika and the intern took the bus and headed to the farm. It was a very beautiful and sunny day, perfect for such an activity. The seniors were able to taste the freshly picked sweet and juicy strawberries and a few seniors purchased them for their loved ones.
The seniors then headed to Hahndorf where they had lunch at the Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Before leaving the beautiful old German town, the seniors had the opportunity to wonder around and admire the German-style architecture.
The seniors had a wonderful time during their outing. This was the final CHSP activity for 2020 and MWASA looks forward to conducting more activities for our CHSP seniors in 2021.
*CHSP= Commonwealth Home Support Program
MWASA ended the year 2020 with a Staff Retreat on the 14th of December. We started off with a review of our progress for the year and plans for the coming year.
Following that, MWASA’s staff, tutors and volunteers headed off to the restaurant for a very hearty lunch. After lunch, we proceeded to play a game where we had to write an adjective of each letter that best describes a MWASA team member’s name. Everyone wrote such beautiful descriptions of the person they got.
The team members then shared a few pieces of poetry which were very deep and meaningful. It was a good bonding session. Everyone had such a wonderful enjoying each other’s company. MWASA appreciates all the hard work and effort of the staff, tutors and volunteers.
Momz Kitchen catered appetising home style food (stir-fried chicken with rice) for the CHSP seniors on the 22nd and 23rd of July. The meals are part of the ongoing CHSP meal distribution program to support the seniors in accessing meals during the pandemic period. The meals were delivered by Sister Urika and her intern, Jessica as well as a volunteer, Brother Qayyum.
Information about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and what it means for the seniors, as well as testing locations, were made available to them.
As restrictions begin to ease from 20th July, MWASA will be resuming Social Support Group activities by inviting CHSP seniors for a social lunch at Sofra Kebab House in conjunction with Eid ul-Adha celebration after months of isolation.
This round, the Muslim Women’s Association of South Australia paired up with another local business – Afghan Star Charcoal Kebab House – to provide CHSP seniors with a tasty packed meal. The meal, which was delivered by Sister Urika and her volunteer Sister Nadia on 8 and 9 July 2020, included delicious grilled chicken skewers / falafel with salad and sauce wrapped in tandoori bread.
‘Tips and Ideas for Older Australians to improve flexibility, balance and strength’ by the Department of Health and a jigsaw puzzle activity were also included to engage and entertain the seniors in their free time.
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