Event to celebrate our Tuning in to Kids® for Afghan Women program

The event, attended and supported by our facilitating partners Communities for Children and Mission Australia, brought together Afghan mothers and their children, community leaders, service providers, and local government representatives for a vibrant day of connection, culture, and celebration.

The celebration marked not only the achievements of the Afghan mothers who participated in the TIK program for Afghan Women, but also the growing impact of the program across the community. With strong word-of-mouth referrals, more Afghan women are expressing interest in joining future TIK groups — a testament to the program’s cultural relevance, trust-building approach, and meaningful outcomes for families.

Developed by Melbourne University’s Mindful Centre, Tuning in to Kids® is an evidence-based, 6-session parenting program designed to teach parents and carers skills in recognising, understanding and managing their own and their children’s emotions. Our Tuning in to Kids® for Afghan Women program is unique in being delivered in-language by Afghan facilitators who are fluent in several Afghan dialects, in one of the largest Afghan communities in Australia, the City of Greater Dandenong.

The program opened with an Acknowledgment of Country, as well as an address by City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Sophie Tan, who expressed admiration for the resilience, strength, and contributions of Afghan women in the local community. Speeches were delivered in both English and Dari, with one of our bi-lingual program facilitators interpreting for all those in attendance.

This was followed by community reflections, when 2 Afghan mothers courageously shared their personal stories and experiences from the TIK program for Afghan Women. Their reflections were heartfelt and powerful, demonstrating the transformative effect of culturally safe, trauma-informed support.

The celebration continued with a raffle drawn by Mayor Tan, which brought excitement and smiles to those who won prizes including hampers from LJ Hooker Dandenong | Berwick, and family passes to Luna Park and Puffing Billy. Guests then enjoyed a delicious lunch, followed by an afternoon of traditional Afghan music, children’s activities, and time for community connection and information sharing from local services. The hall was filled with colour, laughter, and the sounds of Afghan culture — a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive spaces where families feel seen, respected, and celebrated.

As the TIK program for Afghan Women continues to expand, Relationships Australia Victoria remains committed to supporting Afghan families with compassion, cultural understanding and evidence based practice. This celebration was a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when community, culture, and connection come together.