Study empowers former refugee
A FORMER refugee who fled war-torn Congo as a child wants to use his personal experience and education to help other refugees.
Pascal Safari spent eight years living in Ugandan refugee camp before settling in Toowoomba last year.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Relations, at USQ Toowoomba, Mr Safari said he wanted to return to Africa to help solve the refugee crisis.
“My experience in the refugee camp was so hard and it’s unimaginable what we had to do to survive,” he said.
“It is one of the reasons I wanted to study International Relations because I want to make a difference.
“As a refugee you don’t get much support and you feel hopeless, but I can help them because I have lived it.
“Hopefully I can provide loads of hope and help change many lives.”
Mr Safari was just 14 when his parents were taken away by Congo soldiers.
He arrived in Australia with his younger sister Yvette, after being reunited in Uganda, and had little grasp of the English language.
Mr Safari said education had been key to building a successful life.
“My parents wanted me to have a good education, especially my mother who did everything to make sure I could go to school,” he said.
“When I lost them my dream of an education was over and during the eight years in the refugee camp, I was crying out for the chance to go back to school.
“University has not only given me an opportunity to start my education again, but it has given me a purpose in life.
“Having only just arrived in Australia, I was initially scared about coming to uni while still adjusting to a new country and culture.
“But nothing was going to hold me back from this opportunity because I had no other option but to study and work hard so I can set a good example for my sister.”
Mr Safari’s dedication to his studies has paid off and now he communicates comfortably in English while keeping up with his university work.
“I am very grateful to USQ for everything, especially the bridging course which helped improve my English, my public speaking skills and my confidence,” he said.
“Everyone has been very supportive, especially the lecturers who are all approachable and want to see me do well.”