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Refugees tell their stories
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Posted: 22/06/2009
FORMER refugees who are now living on the Border have told of their stories in a display at Wodonga Library.
The former refugees are currently studying at the Albury-Wodonga Community College, learning English, new skills and the Australian way of life.
One of the former refugees, Albert Kotongo, has written about his experience after fleeing Congo to Kenya in 2001.
“Life in a refugee camp is not simple,” he wrote.
“It is hard, but it gave me life experience. I got used to other different nationalities and got introduced to their traditional cultures.”
Mr Kotongo spent nine years in the refugee camp in Kenya as he followed the correct processes for a chance at a new life elsewhere.
“I was given an opportunity to go to Australia, a continent and country of freedom from fear,” he wrote.
The theme of Refugee Week 2009, which was held last week, was ‘Freedom from fear' and it is hoped it helped to educate Australians about why refugees come to Australia and what challenges they face.
The Wodonga Library display also offers information about the Settling Refugee program, ran by St Vincent de Paul.
The program is providing refugee families with social contact upon their arrival and its volunteers are offering friendship, assistance with shopping, finding education, transportation and basic living skills.
The refugee display will be up for the next fortnight.
