Pacifique’s commitment to change was interrupted when he fled Burundi, East Africa, seeking refuge from unimaginable hardships, including being kidnapped and tortured for his human rights activism. Arriving in Australia in 2018 on a humanitarian visa, he pursued his passion for helping others by enrolling at Western Sydney University, where he completed a Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies.
Now, as a Community Development & Projects Officer at Odyssey House NSW, Pacifique plays an essential role in the Multicultural Programs Team.
“My past has taught me the value of community and support,” he says. “I want to give back by creating spaces where people from all backgrounds can find hope and opportunity.”
Pacifique’s family were cow keepers, and his upbringing was deeply influenced by the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am, because you are.” This belief in collective care was reinforced by a defining childhood memory of watching his father care for a bird with a broken leg by making a splint, helping it learn to fly again. “Never be a bystander. My father always told me this,” Pacifique recalls. His father’s generosity also extended to helping poorer families in their community by sharing the milk from their cows.
Despite having a relatively stable childhood, Pacifique witnessed many injustices around him that motivated him to want to help others. He pursued a law degree to learn how to defend those without power. “I wanted to protect people who couldn’t defend themselves,” he explains. He began to take part in demonstrations and protests standing up for human rights whilst he was studying. However, his advocacy led to severe repercussions. As a leader of a student movement, he was kidnapped and tortured just before his final law exams. “They wanted to kill me. I was naive, not understanding the dangers of standing up for what I believed in.” he says.
After being left unconscious on the roadside, Pacifique was rescued and treated in Kenya with the help of Amnesty International before seeking refuge in Uganda. Pacifique lived as a refugee in Uganda for seven years before receiving a humanitarian visa to Australia.
In Australia, Pacifique continued his humanitarian work, using his education and experiences to support others. At Odyssey House NSW, he helps individuals from diverse backgrounds struggling with addiction. His non-judgmental, empathetic approach, shaped by his own experiences, makes him an invaluable team member. “Someone with addiction, I see beyond this. I see something in them that may be broken; how can I help?” Pacifique says.
He believes in a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on reconnecting people with employment, culture, and community.
“Recovery is a long and difficult path, especially for people from other cultures coming to Australia who need to navigate a new world,” he explains. Despite the challenges, Pacifique finds fulfillment in his work and remains optimistic. His message to those struggling is clear: “There is hope here at Odyssey.”
We provide counselling and support in over 20 languages. To find out more about Odyssey Multicultural Programs click here.
