Akol has lived almost a hundred different lives. He has been a farmer in South Sudan, a diesel mechanic and student in North Sudan, a displaced person in Egypt and in 2000, he came to Toowoomba on a humanitarian visa as a refugee. He speaks Dinka, Arabic and English. Since his arrival in Australia, he has been a pioneer in Toowoomba community supporting his fellow African refugees and migrants. In 2008, he began to work CatholicCare where he has supported refugees and migrants of all backgrounds.
Caring for other people is in his DNA and something he has done throughout his life. He attributes his passion to caring for the vulnerable and looking out for people because of the values instilled through two great women, his mother and sister. He considers his current role as a Settlement Coordinator at CatholicCare Social Services in Toowoomba a dream come true as he is paid to support people through difficult times.
He loves living and working in Toowoomba, a city he feels has embraced him and others who come across the sea looking for a safer and peaceful future. He sees a bright future for our children, growing up in a multicultural city and learning from each other.