SHOOTING hoops for a South East basketball team has helped break down barriers for Congolese refugee Vincent Uwimana.
Settling in Mount Gambier early this year was considered a challenge at first for Mr Uwimana and his family while they adapted to new surroundings and culture.
Mr Uwimana was born in the Congo in 1994 and fled to Rwanda in 1996 where he spent the next 23 years of his life.
Mr Uwimana said he faced many challenges during his time in Rwanda, but believed everything happened for a reason.
“I mean, what does not kill you makes you stronger,” he said.
“Being a refugee immediately removes yourself from opportunities including education, health and immediate access to food.
“Mentally it was hard but it made us think outside the box to get to where we are now.”
Mr Uwimana said he was lucky as he had access to education while in the Rwanda refugee camp.
“At the end of high school I was fortunate enough to receive a university scholarship in 2016,” he said.
“Before moving to Australia I completed a degree in business management – majoring in logistics and operations – which opened up many doors for me.
“I think it is now my time to shine and use the skills I have developed from studying over the years.”
Mr Uwimana said it was hard to gain employment while in Rwanda.
Volunteering at Red Cross Limestone Coast as an office support worker around two months ago, Mr Uwimana said he now had all the opportunities in the world.
“Through Red Cross I have been able to meet many community role models and have been able to share my experiences,” Mr Uwimana said.
“I am also learning how to use the skills I learnt at school through practical activities.
“I am hopeful these opportunities will eventually lead to employment in Mount Gambier.”
Mr Uwimana said he first found the move to Mount Gambier quite a shock but has since integrated into the community.
Red Cross Limestone Coast volunteer engagement officer Raelene Monger said Mr Uwimana regularly attended English lessons at TAFE.
“He (also) gets just as much from conversing with the office personnel when he volunteers at the office,” Ms Monger said.
“Vincent is an asset to the office and completes various administrative tasks as well as assists his fellow migrants in interpretation.”
When first moving to Mount Gambier, Ms Monger said Mr Uwimana had aspirations of joining a basketball team.
“When arriving in a new community, sport is a great icebreaker,” Ms Monger said.
“Regional communities effortlessly embrace people into our fold and I do not think there is anything better to witness.”
Ms Monger said she would not have been able to integrate Mr Uwimana into the Mount Gambier Basketball Association B Grade Tigers team without the help of Blue Lake city resident Nathan Stratford.
“I reached out to Nathan and the team immediately took him under its wing,” she said.
“Through those networks he has begun to meet people and his younger brother is also itching to give it a go.
“Although he is finished for this season, it is hoped Vincent will be placed in a higher grade to continue developing his skills.”
Mr Stratford said he was pleased when Ms Monger reached out to him.
“We have a fantastic and inclusive association which has welcomed Vincent into the community,” he said.
“I think the most interesting thing for the team was Vincent said his first game he played at the stadium was his first ever on a hardwood floor.
“It took our guys a bit to get their head around as they are so used to our amazing facilities.”
Mr Stratford said integrating refugees and migrants into the community was beneficial for all residents.
“I think we learn a lot and Vincent has been a great addition to Mount Gambier,” he said.
Mr Uwimana said his favourite basketball team was the Los Angeles Lakers and his favourite player was LeBron James.
Although he enjoys living in Mount Gambier, Mr Uwimana said he one day hopes to move away to continue studying.
