A rising Storytelling Star, Agum Maluach

The 11th of October is the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child and as such we would like to celebrate a young Australian refugee who is going from strength to strength with her storytelling abilities.

Over the last few years I have been working with Jesuit Social Services in Collingwood doing storytelling workshops with its participants. Agum is definitely one of the rising stars. She has a twinkle in her eye when telling and a captivating style. She is avaiLable for speakers sessions and plan to have her visit the Story House and Garden very soon. WATCH OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR UPDATES

Anne E and Agum at Werribee Zoo

Agum’s childhood memories of Sudan were of carefree days, hunting for small animals with her brothers and helping on the family farm. Living in a rural community, the dangers she faced came only from nature around her. “Lions coming into the village were the scariest. They have a distinctive smell. As kids we quickly learned to recognise the smell and get right out of their way!”
In 1997, her life was irrevocably turned upside-down when civil war broke out. “I remember the roar of the bomber jets coming from the North. Next, I remember running, screaming, terror and chaos.” 
The days and months following were incredibly harsh for Agum and her family. “Because we were from the South, my parents walked us into neighbouring Uganda. The refugee camps were so full. Food was scarce and we were so thirsty. But we were safe.”
Eventually, Agum was granted asylum in Australia. A country, she had never heard of. “I had only ever heard of America from the talk in the refugee camps. I didn’t know what or where Australia was!” 
As she shares the joys and challenges of refugee settlement, with incredible resilience and hope, Agum also bravely talks about her experiences of surviving unimaginable challenges and adversity. “I want to show young girls who have gone through the same experiences as me, that we all carry an incredible resilience inside - we can be independent and have our voices heard!”
Agum not only tells of her own journey, she is also a talented storyteller. She shares African folktales handed down to her by her ancestors. “As a child, we would sit by the camp fire, sharing stories of Africa. Although I am now in Australia, it’s important that these stories continue. It’s my connection to my family, my history and my culture.” 
Media: 
http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-03-20/footy-feels-like-home
Bookings and media enquiries:
Danielle Sherry, Just Voices Speakers Program

​1 Langridge Street (PO Box 1141) Collingwood VIC 3066

T (03) 9415 8700    E danielle.sherry@jss.org.au
F 03 9415 7733    M 0408 424 779
Visit www.jss.org.au