KOT Monoah remembers piercing screams, gunshots and aerial bombings. Born in war-torn southern Sudan, by the time he was four he was learning to fear shrapnel and growing accustomed to all the atrocities of life in a war zone.
It’s no surprise that his Wyndham Vale home, his white-collar job as a lawyer, and recently being named one of Australia’s 100 most-influential African-born residents all feel a far cry from his troubled homeland.
“My story is a story that resonates,” Mr Monoah (pictured) says. “If you are persistent, have hopes and dreams, your dreams can be realised.”
Mr Monoah’s family was forced to flee when his village was attacked by a government-led army descending on southern Sudan. The family escaped to neighbouring Ethiopia, but escalating conflict displaced them again.
Hunger, disease and dangerous jungles of wild animals became a daily norm. The family eventually settled in the Kakuma refugee camp where they stayed for 12 years.
Mr Monoah’s life changed when he met an immigration lawyer who assessed his family’s application for refugee status. “The guy was patient, he had compassion and personality.
“His name was Ross. He said he was from Melbourne. His personal attributes were inspiring, and the lesson I learned was that lawyers are uniquely placed to be able to help the disadvantaged and help fight injustices.”
Mr Monoah’s life has been a story of survival against the odds. But the 30-year-old says it has only fuelled his drive to help others in need. “I dreamt that if I ever got the opportunity, I’d be a lawyer and help some people who are disadvantaged. That was where my inspiration all began.”
After arriving in Melbourne in 2004, he began studying law at Victoria University, graduating with a bachelor degree in 2009 before completing a graduate diploma at Australian National University. Since 2010 Mr Monoah has worked at Slater & Gordon’s Sunshine office, where he specialises in motor vehicle accident and WorkCover claims.
He’s also worked as a community liaison officer with Victoria Police and as a volunteer with migrant resource centres, the Fitzroy Community Legal Service and Sudanese community organisations.
