At the time my wife and I were caring for their own child along with three of my cousin’s children, my sister-in-law and her two children. Several of my relatives had been killed so it was my place to assumed responsibility for their children. I was desperate to survive and get out of prison so that I could continue to care for my extended family.
Although I was released for two months, the security forces continued to suspect me of supporting the rebels, and so I was recaptured. My family didn’t know whether I was alive or dead and I pleaded to be able to see them. Fortunately my wish was granted but I was immediately detained once again.
Of course I took my cousin’s children and my sister-in-law and her children with us. After a couple of years, the Australian Embassy accepted us as refugees. I was so happy to be able to come to Australia because of the opportunity for all of us to be safe and to get a good education.
We arrived in Australia in 2001 and lived in Sydney until 2008. My wife, children and I lived together with our extended family until I had to move to Melbourne for work. I then set up another home for my sister-in-law and her children and I continue to support them. They are doing really well. The first boy has just graduated as a nurse and plans to study medicine. I also support my Mum and other family members back in Sudan.