A recent partnership between a local law firm and non-profit has helped raise funds to educate refugee women and children in the Hunter region.

Earlier this year, Turnbull Hill Lawyers held their second annual fundraiser with Zara’s House at the Cooks Hill Gallery, raising over $12,000.

The money raised will be used to fund the pre-school bilingual program, which prepares refugee children for Australian schooling, whilst their mothers utilise the other literacy programs offered.

Partner at Turnbull Hill Lawyers, Rani Gandha said it was a pleasure to be able to support such important programs.

“Zara’s House do incredible work for refugee women and children in our community,” Rani said.

“Helping ensure the kids are cared for and learning helps mothers take advantage of all the services Zara’s House has to offer… they’ve created such a warm and welcoming community.

“A lot of these women can’t read or write their mother tongue, which makes it extremely difficult to learn how to read and write English.”

Rani said it was heartening to see local businesses and community members give so generously to the fundraiser.

“We had such a positive response from the community, which goes to show how important the work they do at Zara’s House is.”

Sister Diana Santleben of Zara’s House said the entirety of the funds raised would go towards the early childhood bilingual education program.

“With this we can offer these little ones possibly the only pre-schooling they will receive,” Sr Diana said.

“Their mothers meanwhile are able to access the Zara’s House classes each day in English, Mother Language Literacy, preparation for citizenship, handcrafts and sewing, and introduction to micro-business.”

IMAGE | Zara’s House fundraiser event, hosted by Turnbill Hill Lawyers, in action.