‘We are not Powerless’; the story of an education revolution
A POWERFUL documentary highlighting the resilience and determination of refugee communities will screen in Maleny next month as part of Refugee Week celebrations.
Maleny Refugee Advocacy Group (MRAG), formerly Welcome to Maleny, will present the award-winning film ‘We Are Not Powerless’ at the Maleny Community Centre on Saturday, June 13, followed by a special Q&A session with filmmakers and long-time refugee advocates Muzafar Ali and Jolyon Hoff.
The screening continues a strong connection between the filmmakers and the local community, with Sunshine Coast residents previously rallying behind Mr Ali’s Ride for Education fundraising initiative last year.
‘We Are Not Powerless’ follows on from the acclaimed documentary ‘The Staging Post’, which told the story of Mr Ali and his wife Nagina after they fled Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and became stranded in Indonesia as refugees.
Determined to create opportunities despite their circumstances, the couple established the Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre (CRLC), the first refugee-managed school in Indonesia, using only limited resources and community support.
Since then, the model has inspired 10 other refugee-run schools across Indonesia, with more than 1800 refugee children now receiving an education.
Mr Ali said storytelling played a crucial role in shifting public understanding and building compassion. “By telling their stories, this is how we change the world,” he said.
MRAG president Lisa McDonald, who has visited the refugee-run schools annually since 2020 as part of a small Australian teacher-training team, said the schools were remarkable examples of hope and determination.
“Each year I am impressed by the level of education the schools are managing to provide. It’s extraordinary,” she said.
“Moreover, I am inspired by the much-needed hope that grows alongside the learning.”
The event will begin with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm screening. Tickets are $25 or $20 concession, with children under 10 admitted free. Light refreshments will be available, along with a licensed bar.
Organisers say bookings are strongly advised. More information is available from Ann on 0407 138 182 www.trybooking.com/DLQSI
