By NATALIE GALLENTI
A KURUNJANG father and daughter team recently spent a week bonding at a camp aimed at strengthening the bonds of refugee families.
Michael Manyok Thiak and 11-year-old Rabica participated in this month’s CatholicCare African Dads and Kids Camp and both agreed it was a great learning experience.
A Sudanese refugee and father-of-nine, Michael came to Australia in the hope of finding a better life for his family.
Eleven-year-old Rabica, who arrived in Australia as an infant, said the camp made her realise how many children around the world were growing up without a father.
“I am very lucky to be growing up in Australia with my family,” she said. “It has made us think about how important it is to express your true feelings for each other. My Dad and I have worked really well as a team on camp, enjoying all the different activities.
“I have met a lot of new people from different African countries. I think it’s not about where you come from and it doesn’t matter if you speak the same language or not. We’re all one at the end of the day.”
CatholicCare’s African Dads and Kids Camp founder and relationship educator Kate McKernin said the weekend away gives fathers the opportunity to discuss how to renegotiate their own roles and keep their families close while they adapt to the pressures of a different culture.
“We explored all their relationships within the family unit, and the variations and similarities between being a father in Australia and being a father in Africa,” Ms McKernin said.
Victoria Police’s Multicultural Liaison Officer Leading Senior Constable Richard Dove said the program helps to keep newly arrived refugee families strong and functional.
“Getting in at the grass-roots level, as this fantastic program does … is of the utmost importance to Victoria Police because this will lead to a more positive settlement, reduce family breakdown and violence.”
