“We had to flee Ethiopia for our lives due to political instability and war. Both our kids were born in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. The struggles in the camp were hard, so many scorpions! We made a restaurant in Kakuma refugee camp and we made a friend who was with the Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS), who visited us often and talked about Australia.
We came to Australia with only one bag of belongings and we got safety and opportunities. We arrived in Tasmania in 2018 and within six weeks we were able to move to Alice Springs with help from our friend and with advocacy and support from Marguerite, former MCSCA manager. Our friend from the RFDS was so generous. He paid over $3k for flights and allowed us to live in his house until we could get on our own feet.
We feel Alice was the best place to come as refugees. I could get my first job within 2 months of arriving in Alice. We love how friendly everyone is, everyone says hi to you even if they don’t know you. Our kids’ favourite things are their friends, soccer and school. The environment reminds us of Kakuma, in the Kenyan desert. The land is beautiful.
We are grateful for the support we have received from MCSCA and all other stakeholders, and from our friends. We came to Australia with 1 bag and now we are business owners. My heart is full. I know what it means to have opportunity and safety. With hard work, commitment and knowing the rules of this land nothing can stop you.”
