About Jeeran
About
Jeeran Community Services seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities, where individuals can connect, learn, and grow. The organisation aims to restore the sense of “Village”, a concept lost by many due to forced displacement. The name Jeeran, meaning “neighbours” in Arabic, reflects this cultural significance.
Through services such as Arabic awareness workshops and culturally sensitive seniors’ circles, Jeeran works to bridge the gap between these emerging communities and broader Australian society. This is achieved through partnerships with local community organisations, neighbourhood houses, schools, and community centres in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Jeeran’s activities have a strong impact, with highly sought-after programs like the fully booked the Arabic Playgroup at Thomastown Library and the mental wellness program for Arabic speaking women from refugee backgrounds. The organisation maintains meaningful connections with local organisations and government offices, further enhancing its service delivery.
Our Purpose is to:
- Provide mental health and wellbeing workshops and services to people from Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities to promote measures of successful cultural, social and economic settlement.
- Deliver the above activities by bicultural workers who are certified professionals of social workers, youth workers and group facilitators but also of lived experiences of Arabic-speaking refugee background.
- Enhance the access of the people of Arabic speaking backgrounds to mainstream social and mental health services by making referrals, incursions and excursions.
- Deliver and amplify the voice of people of Arabic- speaking refugees in government offices working in partnership with them regarding issues of mental wellbeing.
Our Team
Zara Al-Hasany
Founder & Director
Zara Al-Hasany identified a gap in culturally sensitive services for the Arabic-speaking community through her extensive community work. To address this, she founded Jeeran Community Services Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space where Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee women, men, and children can connect, learn, and grow.
Jeeran focuses on fostering social, cultural, and economic settlement for these communities. This includes providing safe spaces for women and children to support and learn from one another, as well as enhancing access to mainstream social and mental health services through referrals, incursions, and excursions. One of its key initiatives is the Jeeran Arabic Playgroup, which helps refugee and migrant mothers connect with peers, easing their transition into a new environment.
With over 10 years of social work experience, Zara has served on various boards, including public school committees, the Lalor Neighbourhood House Committee, and as a Community Advisor for Foundation House. She also leads workshops and activities for women and youth, focusing on leadership, mental health, and community development.
Her expertise in mental health and wellbeing has earned her invitations to speak at schools, conferences, and events, where she shares her insights and enthusiasm to inspire positive change.
Serena Vitale
Jeeran Community Services seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities, where individuals can connect, learn, and grow. The organisation aims to restore the sense of “Village”, a concept lost by many due to forced displacement. The name Jeeran, meaning “neighbours” in Arabic, reflects this cultural significance.
Inaam Barakat
Jeeran Community Services seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities, where individuals can connect, learn, and grow. The organisation aims to restore the sense of “Village”, a concept lost by many due to forced displacement. The name Jeeran, meaning “neighbours” in Arabic, reflects this cultural significance.
Margaret Burdu
Jeeran Community Services seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities, where individuals can connect, learn, and grow. The organisation aims to restore the sense of “Village”, a concept lost by many due to forced displacement. The name Jeeran, meaning “neighbours” in Arabic, reflects this cultural significance.
Alita D'Souza
Jeeran Community Services seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities, where individuals can connect, learn, and grow. The organisation aims to restore the sense of “Village”, a concept lost by many due to forced displacement. The name Jeeran, meaning “neighbours” in Arabic, reflects this cultural significance.
Adil Jabur
Jeeran Community Services seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities, where individuals can connect, learn, and grow. The organisation aims to restore the sense of “Village”, a concept lost by many due to forced displacement. The name Jeeran, meaning “neighbours” in Arabic, reflects this cultural significance.