Picture: MOLLY TAYLOR
HAVING aspirations of studying law and psychology, young Australian citizen Chanceline Kakule has flourished after fleeing the demographic republic of Congo.
At the age of three, Chanceline’s family fled the war-torn country of Congo, however, not all of them would survive the journey to Zambia.
Fortunately, Chanceline and her five siblings settled in a refugee camp, where they spent the next seven years of their life.
“It was hard, but we were content,” she said.
“Some days we would go without food and water.
“My father was a doctor in Africa, so he managed to source the essentials we needed to keep going.”
Although those seven years were tough, Chanceline attended school and kept herself absorbed in education.
“Schools in Africa are very strict and positions are usually very hard to come by,” she said.
“Kids value their education as it is a privilege to go to school.
“Smart kids cannot get to school, because their parents cannot afford it.”
Chanceline appears to have grasped every opportunity since arriving in Australia at the age of 11.
She has since moved from Tasmania to Geelong and now anchored herself in Mount Gambier.
“I have lived in Mount Gambier for nearly three years now and this is the first time I feel home,” she said.
“Mount Gambier has a lot of similar connections to what I had back in Africa.”
Juggling school, work and a social life leaves little time for Chanceline to spend by herself.
“I’m one of those people that cannot just do one thing,” she said.
“I just want to do everything and explore what the world has to offer.”
While studying Year 12, Chanceline is completing an aged care traineeship and also works in hospitality.
“Work gives me a break from heavy school assignments and tests,” she said.
“I have met some great people and have made lifelong friendships.”
Once she completes Year 12, Chanceline has a few ideas for her future, but is not completely sure what avenues to pursue.
“Maybe I will attempt to secure a place at university and study law or psychology as they have been my favourite subjects throughout school,” she said.
“I am also inspired to help people due to my father’s previous history in medicine – he would want me to follow in his footsteps.
“Whatever I do, I want to take my knowledge back home to Africa one day.”
Chanceline said she was not ready to leave Mount Gambier just yet and was excited about her future in Australia.
She was recently named an ABC Heywire state winner after sharing her story.
