Leadership Program – Community projects

Community Project Name: Health and Living Opportunities (HALO) Project

Year: 2023

Why: A study by a Social Work student at La Trobe University found that single Afghan men who arrived in Australia in 2013 had excellent oral hygiene. Within two years, many of these men experienced dental decay and poor nutrition. This research determined that barriers such as lack of cooking skills, unfamiliarity with electric appliances, and reliance on processed foods was the cause of this decay. In response, the Refugee Kitchen and Garden Program was established in and supported by Foundation House funding to Sunraysia Community Health Services to assist Survivors of Torture and Trauma. This program has evolved into the HALO Project; an initiative focused on capacity building. This program supports refugees with essential life skills including healthy eating, gentle exercise, understanding Australian laws, and accessing services in the aim of upholding refugee’s basic rights to health, dignity, and opportunity.

The HALO (Health and Living Opportunities) Project is a community-driven initiative founded in response to health and nutrition challenges faced by newly arrived Afghan refugees. Originally launched as the Refugee Kitchen and Garden Program, HALO now focuses on capacity building for refugees and migrants, empowering them to integrate successfully into Australian society. The program offers practical life skills such as healthy cooking, gentle exercise, and navigating electric appliances, while also promoting understanding of Australian laws, cultural norms, and available services. HALO ensures participants have fair and equal access to resources, supporting their right to health, dignity, and opportunity. By fostering independence and community connection, HALO helps individuals thrive and contribute meaningfully to their new home.

Contact person: Zia IBRAHIMI

Members: Then – Zia Ibrahimi, Susan Whiteley, Pita Foliaki & Nat Smith. Now – Zia Ibrahimi, Susan Whiteley & Pita Foliaki.

Impact – Our first HALO session focused on demonstrating how to use public electric outdoor hotplates by preparing chicken kebabs.

Over 15 women from refugee backgrounds attended with their families, fostering social connection and mutual support. The session provided a welcoming space for participants to engage with one another, supported by bi-cultural workers who helped bridge cultural and language gaps. The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted both the value of such initiatives, and the challenges newly arrived refugees face in navigating everyday tasks that many take for granted. This experience reinforced the importance of building practical skills and community awareness to support successful integration