By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
BURMESE refugee Maung Maung Aye knows fully well the power of storytelling.
A graphic designer and animator, he shot human rights films for a Burmese pro-democracy TV channel sponsored by the Norweigan government while sheltering in a control area over the Thailand border.
A year earlier, Maung Maung had left his homeland in fear of the military regime soon after taking part in the 1988 student uprising.
Having a voice is fundamental — and it’s why he’s helped on a Springvale-based website ourstories.org.au.
It tells the uncensored tales of refugees from Tamil, Burundi, South Sudanese, Hazara, Persian and Burmese backgrounds.
On the site, a Hazara storyteller laments how refugee issues are often twisted by media reports.
“It’s there to encourage migrants and new arrivals to express their thoughts and feelings,” Maung Maung said. “Many don’t talk to people well because of language barriers.”
The website, developed by Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau, AMES and Multicultural Media Exchange, is split into sections translated in English and the languages of the major refugee groups. It gives information on housing, services, training and a forum to discuss settlement issues and cultural differences.
Maung Maung hopes it might also help Australian-born residents understand the migrant experience.
The website was launched during the announcement of more than $3 million in federal grants to Greater Dandenong refugee and asylum seeker services.
Details: ourstories.org.au.
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