As he addressed the crowd gathered for the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Christmas Appeal launch, Sudanese refugee Piok paused and seemed overwhelmed by the occasion.
“It has been an amazing journey from being a child soldier to speaking before the Governor and others here,” he reflected. “But it is a great privilege and honour.”
After sharing his traumatic story to more than 100 people, including WA Governor Malcolm McCusker, Liberal MP Robyn McSweeney and State Labor leader Mark McGowan, the pristine lawns of Government House, where the launch was held, did indeed seem another world away.
Piok, who does not know the date of his birth, was forced to leave his family and village in his early teens when civil war broke out in 1991.
Not belonging anywhere and officially classified as an Internally Displaced Person, Piok was soon conscripted into the Sudan People’s Liberation army and handed an AK47 gun.
He remained with the army for several years before being discovered by his sister.
He was eventually declared a child soldier and was able to leave; however, his trauma was far from over.
He then had to endure a dangerous and arduous journey on foot from Sudan to a Ugandan refugee camp where he spent the next six years.
He was able to complete his primary schooling and most of his secondary school.
Upon discovering there was no chance of resettlement in Uganda at the time, Piok made a decision to go to Kenya where he was able to apply for refuge in other countries. He waited four years before being accepted by Australia.
Ten years after leaving Sudan, homeless and alone, Piok arrived in Perth and his transformation has, even in his own eyes, been monumental.
With the assistance of his sponsor, Piok was able to find a rental home and received emergency relief support through the St Vincent de Paul Society’s refugee and migrant support program, where he was provided with furniture and household items as well as friendship and support.
He then began basic computing classes at the Edmund Rice Centre in Mirrabooka and then Balga TAFE, before enrolling in Murdoch University’s bridging program.
In 2008, he was accepted to study a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development and, on completion, was awarded a scholarship to undertake a Master’s degree which he titled “Becoming a Refugee is Not a Choice”.
Piok is now married with five children and is the coordinator of the settlement grants program at Edmund Rice, where he is able to utilise his experience and education to assist newly arrived refugees.
During his speech, Piok expressed his appreciation at the role the St Vincent de Paul Society has played in his journey.
“When I arrived in Australia my life began,” he shared, “and I would like to thank the St Vincent de Paul Society for their role in assisting refugees such as myself.”
Another impressive young man addressing the audience was Liam Staltari, a volunteer with numerous Vinnies programs supporting disadvantaged youth, such as Kid’s Camps, Buddy Days and the Homework Centre.
Liam spoke of the appreciation and positive changes he had encountered with those who had participated in these programs, but insisted that he received much more than he gave.
Spokesperson for Vinnies Lucinda Ardagh said programs assisting refugees and disadvantaged youth were only a part of a broader network of support offered by the Society, and pointed out that many would benefit from money raised through this year’s Christmas Appeal.
“This time of year can be challenging for many in our community who will struggle with basics like food and clothing, a safe place to sleep and isolation,” she said.
“Through the generous support of the Western Australian community, the St Vincent de Paul Society will be able to offer people the opportunity to share in the joy of Christmas and give the gift of hope for a brighter 2014.”
Over the Christmas period last year, the Society provided 3,000 hampers and more than 5,000 toys.
Throughout the year, more than 30,000 homes across WA were assisted.
This year, national supermarket chain IGA is supporting the work of Vinnies by launching its own campaign through its stores with proceeds of selected items directly supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
To donate directly to the St Vincent de Paul campaign, go to www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.