‘My guardian angel heard my cries’

What happened next was an opportunity that changed their lives forever.

In 1996, devoted husband and father to five young children, Adam Kitungano was facing a reoccurring fear.

A fear no parent should have to bear. A fear so frightening that often kept him awake. That fear was the first Congo War and that war was literally on their doorstep.

“It was a difficult time,” Adam said.

“There wasn’t much food and survival was becoming harder by the day.

“No health system, very bad things where happening around us, and it wasn’t safe.

“I feared my family would not have a future filled with hope, peace and the opportunities of a better life.”

As the echoes of conflict reverberated around Adam and his family in this tumultuous time, Adam turned to the heavens with heartfelt prayers.

His pleas soared beyond the confines of his surroundings, reaching out to a guardian angel who became a beacon of light in his darkest hours.

“My guardian angel heard my cries,” Adam said.

“And we were given an opportunity that changed our lives.

“For us, it was a life-saving.”

Like an unseen force of compassion, Adam and his family were offered a complementary pathway into Australia through the Australian Government Pilot Program.

The program was a humanitarian resettlement opportunity that allowed the family to live and work in a regional area of Australia.

And this year, Adam and his family will celebrate their 18th year in the country, alongside being the first African family to settle in Shepparton.

“I remember arriving like it was yesterday,” Adam said.

“It was around 1pm when we arrived at our house, and many people were waiting to welcome us — people from the local government, ethnic council, churches and neighbours.

“People had food, clothes, shoes and bikes for the kids. It was special, and I will never forget that moment.

“We felt instantly at home.”

The family knew very little English on arrival, but they coped. Volunteers helped teach them, and Adam said the children adapted quickly.

Before long, Adam was ready to engage in further learning and was passionate about helping make a difference in his community, especially in teaching.

“I was a teacher in the refugee camps, and I enjoyed teaching and learning too,” he said,

“I needed to get myself up to Australian standards, so I did.”

Adam now has a diploma in interpreting, a bachelor’s degree in education studies, a graduate diploma in middle years, a masters degree in special education and a graduate certificate in theology which accredits him to teach in Catholic schools.

He has enjoyed many teaching opportunities locally, but like a bridge that helps hold a community together, his heart remains with his culture.

Today, like a shining star, he now strives to give others the same welcome he received when arriving in Shepparton.

“People need the same sense of relief we needed when we arrived, so my role now at St Paul’s African House can help with that transition,” Adam said.

“I can see it in their eyes. Many have seen a lot, and I want to make their settlement easier.

“People’s needs differ, and I just want to help them.”

Adam’s current role as manager at St Paul’s African House is helping create a brighter future for the African Communities of Greater Shepparton.

He is committed to helping provide a safe, welcoming space where all people who identify with African cultures can gather to learn, preserve, honour, celebrate, and pass on African cultures through stories, music, dance, food and fellowship.

However, Adam said their doors were always open to the broader community and welcome anyone wanting to get involved.

“Come and learn the culture, and let us continue to engage with yours,” Adam said.

“Together, we can support each other, celebrate all cultures and enjoy this wonderful community.

“Shepparton is a peaceful and welcoming community, we are so grateful to be given the opportunities we have had here.

“Life is a blessing — let’s enjoy it together.”

This story originally appeared in Don. You can find the full publication at tinyurl.com/DON-Mag