Grace Arach grew up in the northern part of Uganda. When her parents separated, Grace's father took custody and she was subjected to harsh treatment by her new step mum. In 1995 Grace's dad was killed by Joseph Kony's rebel group. A year later she was kidnapped by the group and forced to become a child soldier. This is the story of Grace's journey to find safety and purpose in Australia.
Grace Arach was twelve years old when she was abducted by Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Forced from her home in Uganda to South Sudan where the rebel group was based, Grace spent five years trapped as a child soldier. She says children were deliberately targeted by the group as they were considered easier to brainwash. It is estimated that over 30,000 children were abducted and forced to become child brides and soldiers.
Grace was forced to walk long distances day and night, carrying heavy loads with little or no rest. On one occasion she was shot and the bullet was removed from her body without any medication or medical assistance. Grace has scars from the boiling water that was used to sterilise the wound. She is still scared of boiling water.
Grace dreamed of escape. But it was very dangerous.
Even if you're joking, if you say you might escape, they will kill you. And they might kill you for a week
Despite the risk, after five years Grace took a chance one night while the guards were sleeping. She left the camp on foot with two other women and their babies. They ran barefoot through thorny grass and across rivers in search of government soldiers who could protect them.
Eventually the women reached a government outpost and were taken to a safe city. Encouraged by the success of their escape, others in the rebel camps began to follow in their footsteps.
Grace began working with escapees to help reunite them with family and reintegrate them into society. This work eventually led to Australia to study mental health. Although she sometimes feel isolated in Australia, Grace values her freedom.
Home is where you feel safe... and I feel safe in Sydney.
Now with a degree in social work, Grace continues to work with former child soldiers to help improve their mental health. She has established a charity called Bedo Ki Gen to provide counselling and financial assistance to people traumatised by war.
My First Year on Aussie Soil is hosted by comedian Suraj Kolarkar and produced by Danny Giles. Hear the stories of people who have found their feet in Australia, as they share their first impressions and the highs and lows of life in a new country.
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