Migrating to Australia with school-age kids

Mimmo and Rosanna

(from left) Rosanna, Deviria, Mimmo and Roberta Source: SBS Italian

Mimmo, Rosanna and their kids migrated to Australia about four years ago. The girls didn't speak English at the time.


Migrating to the other side of the world is always a challenge, particularly if you have young kids too. Mimmo and Rosanna moved from Sicily to Melbourne with their young girls who started primary school straight away. Despite the challenge of not speaking English young Roberta did not have too much trouble adjusting to prep, but for Deviria, who is five years older, homesickness and some initial social problems made the transition a bit harder.

Four years later she speaks English fluently and new friends have made it easier for her to smile again.

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