My journey from Rwanda to Australia – Claire

Claire is Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Multicultural Program Coordinator. She gave a moving speech at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane on Harmony Day, 21 March, talking about her journey from Rwanda to Australia.

This is her story in her own words.

Good morning, my name is Claire. I work at Anglicare in the Multicultural program, yesterday my colleague Andrea reminded me of how lucky we are to work here! I am so fortunate to call Rwanda my motherland and Australia my homeland indeed Australia is now my home!

I have many good memories of a happy early childhood surrounded by beautiful people and a rich culture. Although Rwandans have tribes, we all share one language, one culture and intermarriage between the tribes is common. My experience during the time of war and Genocide against the Tutsi is so delicate!

Claire at St Johns Cathedral during Harmony Day.

In 1994 I was visiting my uncle and young cousins when the then president was killed in plane crash. The killings started straight after the news of his death. I separated from my family and found myself at Sainte Famille church (a place of sanctuary) in Kigali. Many people went to seek refuge there but instead that place became a death trap!

At 12 years old I hid under dead bodies, I experienced real hunger and knew what being scared for your life is! For 40 days which seemed like an eternity I had not bathed or showered. I had no idea where any member of my immediate family was and I was more than terrified!

Many have asked how such a tragedy could befall a nation full of good people. Sadly the answer is just as relatable in Australia today. There were a few bad apples with rotten ideologies. They preached our differences, and promoted fear… In a country with only two radio stations the message of hate spread faster than you can imagine!

Many of my Rwandan friends, Hutus and Tutsis alike, have endured awful experiences and I respect everyone’s journey as equally significant.

I like this quote from Martin Luther King Jr “All of Life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied to a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

In July 1994 when the killings ended, and I finally reunited with my two young sisters. It took longer to find our mother who had been shot numerous times and was badly injured! My mother who is here today, is a strong woman, a survivor and a hero, she was determined to get back on her feet despite almost having both her legs amputated. On her hospital bed she managed to arrange that my sister and I return to boarding school. Straight after completing high school my mother had arranged for us to travel to Zambia as we had a male relative who lived there, and although the war had ended in Rwanda, there were still safety concerns, especially for women and girls.

My sister and I travelled there in 2000, it was our first time in a plane! In our minds we were going to learn English and go to universities with the hope to return to Rwanda when it was much safer for us. Six months later however, our relative was offered a new job with the UN.

in Kosovo! We were then to be either in a foreign country without a male relative and a valid visa or to return to Rwanda where the threat of rape were still present.

We were advised to register with UNHCR. It was not an easy process but God was always on our side and always brought special people to help us. As we had tangible evidence of need, we were given refugee status soon after we made our claim. We were also identified by UNHCR as eligible for resettlement to another country. After many interviews and medical checks we were granted a Special Humanitarian visa to Australia as Women at risk. This was one of the happiest days of my life. My sister and I danced, sang and started dreaming of what life would be like.

On arrival to Australia we were greeted at the airport by Amela – A former refugee herself, she said welcome to Australia and her smile said everything we needed to hear.

Many genuine and special people have helped me get to where I am today, like Esperance, the Rwandan lady who came bearing gifts to welcome us. Like the staff at Marist College Ashgrove, who donated towards a program of giving paid employment opportunity to a refugee. I met some incredible Australians there who mentored me and encouraged me, they taught me not just work ethics but a lot about the Australian ways, like the saying of “We’re having a Barbie this arvo, Bring a plate or You chucked a sickie mate?…”

Before I conclude, I want to share with you a story of a curious girl who had obviously seen the Cadbury ad “if the world was chocolate…” one morning I dropped my son Joshua to childcare. I put him down to sign him in and… he cried out in pain. When I looked at him, a little girl Angel was sitting with him and crying too. She had bitten him… saying that she wanted a chocolate. Of course she had been confused by my son’s “chocolate” skin colour. I laughed and her mother was so apologetic but I said ‘it’s alright mate’. I then started a campaign of including dolls and toys that showcase diversity. Today most childcare centres include dolls of different skin colour. I often joke and claim credit for introducing Inclusive practice in childcare centres.

Today I am a very happy girl. In August this year I will get married to the man I love right here! My family has grown, God has blessed me with three beautiful children, my sister is married and has two beautiful boys, I have a loving father and mother in law and last year my mother was granted a permanent visa to Australia. My harmony message is be kind to all humanity, be curious and fight against injustices.

Peace to you all and happy harmony day,

Thank you.