Green Apple Issue 6 | Page 7

As a displaced teenager, Basim Shamaon’s faith got him through the toughest part of his life, while waiting desperately for refugee status after fleeing his war-torn homeland of Iraq.

His family was struggling as outsiders in Jordan, where they were ostracised and living on the edge, fearful for their future. A young but hopeful Basim sought personal refuge in the Catholic Church, attending every Mass and Bible studies class he could. “It was the only place I felt safe,” he said, reflecting on his mission at age 15 to join the priesthood and devote his life to helping others.

But when his prayers were answered and his family was finally granted asylum in Australia in 2005, Basim decided he would pursue a different, yet equally fulfilling, path.

Award reflectS reward

During Refugee Week,  Navitas English’s  Basim Shamaon  received a prestigious  NSW Humanitarian Award for his outstanding work with refugees.  He spoke to Fiona West  about his own journey as a young Iraqi refugee and how it helped him find his calling in a ​vocation  helping others.​

“When I came here, I changed my mind because I felt like I don’t need to be a priest to serve my community; I can be an ordinary person and still serve my community.”