Fenet Reading

Fenet is fourteen years old and comes from Ethiopia.
She moved to Australia two years ago.
"I loved my life in Ethiopia," says Fenet.
"I lived in a town with all my family.
Our house was always full of people and it was noisy.
The buildings there were old-fashioned and the streets were dark at night, but it was safe.
I played outside all the time.
" When Fenet arrived in Australia, she didn't speak English.
At first she didn't go to school — she went to language classes.
"The classes were fun," says Fenet.
"There were students from all around the world and everyone was really friendly.
" After one year, Fenet started at secondary school.
"That wasn't easy," she says.
"The lessons were more difficult and no one talked to me.
" But things are getting better.
"Now the other students are friendlier and it's easier for me to do the work," says Fenet.
Does she miss Ethiopia?
"Of course.
I was born there.
But Sydney is a great city.
The streets are more crowded, but it's very modern and exciting.
" What was the most difficult thing about coming to Australia?
"I got lost all the time.
My town in Ethiopia was much smaller.
Here I got lost going to the shops and I even got lost at school.
It was scary.
Now I know my way around — and I can ask for directions in English too!
"