Moonah-based community organisation Friends of Zafira’s Working Together project is supporting socially isolated members of the Hazara community to participate in work and training.

The Hazara community is an ethnic minority group from Afghanistan who have experienced persecution and discrimination.

Funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF), Working Together aims to engage Hazara people who have to date not been successful in obtaining ongoing work, training or education.

Five Hazara women involved in the Working Together project recently cooked and sold bolani, a traditional Afghan street food, outside Stoneman’s Garden Centre in Glenorchy.

“We are seeing generations of women who have received no formal education due to an array of cultural challenges,” Working Together project manager Kristen Singleton said.

“The women are very proficient cooks, but they often do not have the opportunity to showcase their skills because of language barriers and limited networks.

“Through the Working Together project the women get to practise running a stall and it is our hope that they develop skills that will eventually aid them in setting up their own small business.”

Kristen said through opportunities like the one at Stoneman’s Garden Centre, members of the Hazara community will feel more connected and confident.

“All of the people involved in the Working Together project are very capable but are just lacking experience working in Australia,” she said.

“I think it is great for Tasmanians to meet people from the Hazara community and realise they have the same goals and ambitions in life, but they just need an opportunity.”

TCF chairperson Sally Darke said the Working Together project is already working to reengage many Hazara people.

“The Friends of Zafira are seeing increased confidence among participants and a willingness to try new activities and experiences related to work amongst participants,” Ms Darke said.

“The TCF has a strong focus on removing the barriers to education, employment and learning in the community, and we look forward to seeing how this project will continue to improve the lives of the Hazara community living in Tasmania.”