Francois

Francois’ Story

Francois was one of the first students to participate in the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) training at Multicap. Prior to studying in Australia, Francois was struggling to find work. 

Francois was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Francois and his family lived comfortably in DRC until the Second Congo War started in 1998. In all the chaos, Francois and his family separated. 

In 2000, Francois heard rumours his family were still alive and living in a refugee camp in Tanzania. At the tender age of 11, Francois flew to Tanzania to reunite with his family. Francois spent more than 15 years in the refugee camp, finishing primary and high school within the camp. He even spent four years studying laboratory science at a university within the camp. 

This all changed for Francois, his partner and children in June 2016 when they were granted visas to enter Australia. It was a bittersweet moment for Francois. Although moving to Australia would give Francois, his partner and children more opportunities, he would have to leave his parents and siblings behind.

When Francois arrived in Australia, the study he had completed in Africa did not meet Australian standards so he was told he would have to start again. Understandably, Francois did not want to spend years studying again. He was struggling to find work and mentioned this to a friend, who heard about the fully-funded Certificate III in Individual Support course. Francois leapt at the chance as he has always been passionate about helping people with disability. While living in Africa, Francois had a friend with a disability and always encouraged him to do whatever he wanted to do.

“I didn’t get paid or anything – I did it out of love!” he smiles.

Francois began studying his Certificate III in Individual Support in May 2017 at Multicap in Eight Mile Plains, attending training from 8am-4pm on Mondays and Fridays and completing assessments during the week. 

“It is a really good course,” Francois said. “The class was like a family.” 

While studying, Francois had a work placement in an aged care facility, where he got hands on experience. 

After graduating in October 2017, Francois commenced work with Multicap. 

“I really, really like my job,” Francois smiles.

“I am really happy when sharing ideas with customers. I love to encourage them to achieve their goals,” he said. “I love it so it shows.”