Freedom Stories-

Ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances

Mustafa’s Story

1. Why is Mustafa’s place of employment an appropriate setting for the telling of his
story?

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2. What is the name of the detention centre Mustafa was in?

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3. Describe Jim’s reaction to learning more about Mustafa’s history.

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4. What did you think and how did you feel as you watched and listened to Mustafa tell
the story of his journey to Australia?

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5. Why is it the responsibility of the Australian Navy to intercept asylum seeker boats?
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6. What does the symbol of a crossed-out Australia on the sign mean?

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7. In the shape below design a sign you think should be shown to people seeking asylum

from Australia.

8. Describe the home that Mustafa and his family have made for themselves in Canberra.
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9. What do the photographs tell the audience about Mustafa and Amir’s time in
detention?
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10. Why is it important stories like Mustafa’s are continued to be told?

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Shafiq’s Story

1. What does Shafiq’s work ethic suggest about his character and his priorities in life?
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2. Name the group that imprisoned Shafiq.

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3. Given the danger and difficulties of an asylum seeker’s journey, why do you think
Shafiq tried to save his painting?
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4. Were you surprised by Shafiq’s description of his experience in the boat? Why/ why
not?
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5. What was the name of the detention centre Shafiq was detained in?
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6. Why do you think the authorities refer to detainees by number rather than name?
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7. Choose one of the murals painted by the asylum seekers and write a short description
about it and what it may symbolise.
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8. Take a longer look at Shafiq’s entry in the art exhibition at the detention centre. Use
the following sentence starters to make a response to the artwork:

I see in the painting:

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I think the painting is discussing:

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What colours have been used and why have they been chosen:

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9. What is surrealism and why are Shafiq’s art classified as surreal art?

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10. Attempt your own surreal art in the box below:

Shafiq’s daughter Mahdiyah

11. How old was Mahdiya when she was separated from Shafiq?
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 12. What did you think and how did you feel as Mahdiya told her story of being reunited
with her father after a ten-year separation?
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13. How did the separation from his wife and children affect Shafiq?
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14. What is resilience? Why is Shafiq’s story one of resilience?

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15. Shafiq uses an umbrella frequently in his art, what does the symbol of a red umbrella
mean to him?
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