SOUTH Sudanese refugee Apajock Biar, 19, cannot recall the horrors of daily life in Africa. But hearing about her family’s experiences was more than enough to convince her to stand up and try to make a change for her generation.
The university student and aspiring social worker from Engadine has helped establish a youth non-profit Christian organisation to help people from similar backgrounds gain strength in their communities.
The former Heathcote High School student launched South Sudan Voices of Salvation this year to raise awareness and money for young South Sudanese people. The nationwide charity runs events and supports people suffering the effects of civil conflict in South Sudan. It hosted its first fund-raiser at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Caringbah.
Ms Biar was born in a Kenyan refugee camp. Her parents fled the war in South Sudan with their seven children and came to Australia in 1997.
‘‘I was two years old, so I don’t remember much, but my parents told me what they went through — from almost being shot and nearly losing their lives several times,’’ she said.
Ms Biar said the goals of the organisation were to give young people a chance to be heard. ‘‘I want to make a better life, not only for me, but for other South Sudanese youth,’’ she said.
Facebook: South Sudan Voices of Salvation.Inc
