Teach the Future - Irene's Story

NGSC Alumni

My name is Irene Bakulikira and I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). My family & I fled war in Congo and settled in Kenya for 10 years. In 2010 I arrived in Australia as a refugee. I have been living in Australia for 14 years.

As a little girl in Africa, all I ever wanted was to become a teacher but I never knew how that dream could ever come true. This is because of the life experiences. Living with uncertainty of what tomorrow will be like. I always hoped and believed that one day God would make a way for our family. I didn’t know how and when. After 10 years in Kenya, we were accepted to come to Australia. As a 12-year-old girl in a new country, not knowing a lot of English words other than ‘hello’, and ‘how are you’… and the little bits and pieces of broken English were enough to help me move with the day-to-day challenges.

In high school, the journey of becoming a teacher started to form its way back into my life. I got accepted at Deakin University to study Bachelor of Arts & Masters of Teaching. I am currently teaching at Manor Lakes College P-12 Humanities & Literacy. I am the Performing Arts Coordinator for the school. I am living the dream I had as a little girl in Africa and it's fun. I get very emotional talking about this but it’s a journey and a story that a lot of people need to hear.

I wanted to share my story to show that we need CALD teachers in Australia. I want to show CALD students that it is possible to become a teacher in Australia even if you were not born here.. even if your parents came as refugees it is possible. Have faith, believe, and hold onto the dream, and don’t let people influence you negatively. Those who asked me ‘Are you going to manage with Ausie kids’ & I reply, I am also Ausie & it is possible. I know the why & that’s what made it possible.