A Million Stories: Building a Future, Finding Belonging
To mark Refugee Week 2026, two young people from CCV’s Settle Well program share their experiences of settling in Australia, finding their voice and looking towards the future.
Every refugee story is different.
For Zane, Refugee Week is a chance to reflect on how far he has come since arriving in Australia ten years ago. For Farzana, it is an opportunity to celebrate identity, culture and the strengths that young refugees bring to their communities.
As part of Refugee Week 2026 and this year’s theme, A Million Stories, we spoke with both young people about belonging, leadership and their hopes for the future.
“It’s a chance to help people understand that refugees are more than a label. We all have our own stories, experiences and strengths.” — Farzana
Through CCV’s Settle Well program, young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds are supported to stay engaged in education, build confidence and create connections as they settle into life in Australia. Delivered in schools across the Geelong region, the program helps young people establish strong foundations for their future while fostering a sense of belonging within their community.
Reflecting on the journey
For Zane, Refugee Week is a time to look back and appreciate how far he has come.
“For me, Refugee Week is about reflection and gratitude. I’ve been in Australia for 10 years and it reminds me of how far I’ve come and the opportunities I’ve had for my future.”
Farzana sees Refugee Week as an opportunity to celebrate identity and challenge assumptions.
“It’s a week where you’re able to show your identity, your culture and where you come from. It’s a chance to help people understand that refugees are more than a label. We all have our own stories, experiences and strengths.”
Their reflections capture the essence of this year’s theme. Every refugee story is unique, and every story deserves to be heard.
More than a label
When asked what they would like people to understand about being a young refugee, both spoke about the importance of seeing the person beyond their circumstances.
“My past doesn’t define who I am,” says Zane. “But it does give me the courage to move forward, become the person I want to be and build a better future.”
Farzana hopes people recognise the potential that exists within young refugees.
“Refugees have so many leadership skills and strengths that people don’t always see. With the right support and opportunities, they can reach their full potential and achieve great things.”
Their words are a reminder that while refugee experiences may begin with displacement and uncertainty, they are also stories of talent, ambition and possibility.
“My past doesn’t define who I am. But it does give me the courage to move forward, become the person I want to be and build a better future. – Zane
Looking towards the future
Both young people have clear hopes for what lies ahead.
Zane dreams of becoming a doctor and using his experiences to help others.
“I hope I can have a good career and become a doctor one day. I also want to help young people build their futures and guide them so they can find the right path and achieve their goals.”
Farzana hopes to become a trusted advocate and leader for others.
“I hope to be a voice for many people and for others to trust me and the qualities I can bring. I want to make a positive difference for people around me.”
Their aspirations reflect the leadership, determination and generosity that so many young people bring to their communities.
A message of thanks
The opportunities created through Settle Well are made possible through the support of funders, partners and community organisations who invest in young people and their futures.
When asked what they would like to say to those who support the program, both expressed deep gratitude.
“Thank you for supporting and funding Settle Well,” says Zane. “The program gives young people opportunities to build courage, confidence and leadership skills. It doesn’t just help us create projects. It helps us make a difference for other young people too.”
Farzana shares a similar message.
“Thank you. You have done much more for us than I could imagine. I’m very grateful, and I know many other young people are grateful too.”
As we celebrate Refugee Week and this year’s theme, A Million Stories, Zane and Farzana remind us that every refugee story is unique. Their experiences speak to the resilience, leadership and hope that young people bring to their communities. Through programs like Settle Well, young people are supported to build confidence, pursue their goals and create a future filled with possibility. By listening to and sharing these stories, we help create communities where everyone feels seen, valued and able to belong.
Settle Well
Settle Well supports young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to remain engaged in education, build connections and establish strong foundations for life in Australia and their local community.
Settle Well is proudly supported by the Anthony Costa Foundation, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Geelong Community Foundation, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and Perpetual.
