As part of the Margaret River Literature Festival, Georgiana Molloy Anglican school students in Years 5 to 7 were given an opportunity to reflect on their own lives when visited by Somalian refugee Abdi Aden.
Abdi Aden fled war torn Somalia as a teenager, unable to first return to his home and find his family.
He made a perilous solo journey via Kenya and Romania to arrive in Australia and seek asylum at 17 years of age.
Today Mr Aden is raising a family in Melbourne and giving back to his community, and has written an uplifting and inspiring book about his survival as a refugee.
Georgiana Molloy Teacher Matthew Braid said Abdi Aden’s talk inspired and motivated the students.
“Abdi’s story taught us to be grateful and kind in the face of extreme adversity,” Mr Braid said.
“We are blessed to have had such a humble speaker share an honest and raw account about the terrors and sufferings faced when escaping a country at war.
“We are all wiser and more understanding after hearing Abdi present.”
Abbey Lloyd GMAS Year 6 student, found Abdi inspirational.
“Through everything still had a happy mind and a great sense of humour, he had so much life about him,” Miss Lloyd said.
The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is a three-day storytelling spectacular featuring author talks, interviews, discussions, book signings and workshops with established and emerging storytellers.
