Meet Innocent Karabagega, a 29-year-old father of two and law graduate, currently
pursuing a Masters of Politics & Policy.
He was forced to flee his home country of Burundi which is one of the poorest countries in the world and spent four months travelling on foot trying to find refuge. After finally making it to Kenya, Innocent spent the next two years in major refugee camps, transit and detention centres, hospitals and on the streets.
He was granted a second chance at life when the United Nations granted him refugee status and put him on a plane to Australia. Since then, he has completed an Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice, is now in his third year studying a Bachelor of Laws and working as a Student Ambassador at Victoria University in Melbourne.
Since he arrived in Australia, Innocent has worked at the Law Institute of Victoria as Administrative Assistant, completed an internship at Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Lawyers Specialists, became the Vice President of Lalor Party at Victoria University and volunteered at the Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre.
Innocent is a public speaker on Community Integration for African migrants, education, refugee journeys, leadership and African Women’s social awareness. He has also been elected as a delegate for the United Nations Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders where he will address the UN about issues related to youth, men and women of African background.
In addition to working for the United Nations as a human rights lawyer, he wants to set up medical centres in Burundi for HIV infected persons and females giving birth. But more importantly, he wants to educate Australian youth about the experience of being a refugee in hope to inspire and motivate them to make the most of every opportunity.
You can book Innocent for a speaking presentation via our Face-to-Face program here.
Please note that speakers are confirmed once a booking has been made and will be based on their availability.
