Address of thanks at the CRS Education Awards 2026
At the CRS Education Awards ceremony in Refugee Week one of the recipients, Neda Shokralizadeh delivered an address of thanks. Many of us who were at the award ceremony found her account of her experience as a refugee profoundly moving. I wanted to share it with you. Neda has graciously given her permission for me to do that. Her address is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by refugees and the resilience and courage that enables them to take up life in a new country.
This speech is also a reminder of the importance of of CRS. Without our volunteers, financial support and encouragement we would not be able to provide the welcome for refugees that makes a real difference for their lives.
Thanks to all our members. In a time in which voices of fear and again are being raised against migrants and refugees the work of CRS remains more important than ever.
Douglas Hynd
CRS President
Neda Shokralizadeh – address of thanks at the CRS Education Awards 2026
Good morning everyone,
Thank you all for being here today.
First of all, on behalf of all the students receiving this award, I would like to sincerely thank Canberra Refugee Support and UNHCR for their support and generosity. We are truly grateful for the opportunities and encouragement you have given us. I would also like to sincerely thank the donors who made these awards possible, as well as the teachers and community organisations who nominated and supported us. Without your belief in us and your continued support, this would not be possible.
Many of us come from different countries and humble backgrounds, but we share something in common: the experience of having to leave our homes and start all over again.
I was born in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan I remember was a place where uncertainty and fear were a part of everyday life. Suicide bombings and explosions happened regularly. Whenever news of an explosion spread, people would immediately start calling their loved ones, hoping to hear their voices and know they were still alive and safe.Parents worried about their children, children worried about their parents, and families lived with the fear of not knowing what might happen next. Like many families, we hoped for a safer future.
Our journey took us to Kazakhstan, where we had to start from zero. We learned a new language, adapted to a new culture, and slowly built a new life and learned how to communicate with others.Unfortunately, our stay there was temporary due to some circumstances, and we later moved to India.
Once again, we found ourselves starting over. We had to learn another language, build new connections, and face the challenges that come with being a refugee in a different country. In India, as a refugee, you cannot open a bank account or work in the formal sector. Refugees are issued a UNHCR card, which provides temporary protection and access to some services, but does not legally grant the right to work. Throughout those years, I watched my parents work tirelessly and make countless sacrifices.
Finally, we arrived in Australia. For the first time, the future felt clearer. Australia welcomed us and gave us the opportunity to build a life with hope and confidence. Here, we were not only given safety, but also the chance to learn, grow, and dream about what our futures could be. What makes Australia special is that people are accepted regardless of where they come from. It is a country that values diversity, encourages people to pursue their goals, and allows individuals from different backgrounds to contribute to society.
Receiving this award is a great honour. It is recognition of our efforts and hard work in continuing our education. It means a lot to us, as it encourages us to keep going and supports us in our settlement and journey in Australia.
Today, on behalf of all the students here, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Australia, CRS, UNHCR, and the Indigenous peoples of this land. Thank you for welcoming us, supporting us, and believing in us.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone attending today, our families, friends, teachers, and support workers, for standing beside us and supporting the award recipients. Your kindness has helped shape our futures. We will always remember your generosity, and we hope to give back to the community that has given us so much.
Thank you.