Interview with Abraham Mayen Matueny : [sound recording] Migrant and Refugee Project / / interviewed by Heather Campbell

DESCRIPTION

AuthorMatueny, Abraham Mayen; Campbell, HeatherDescription Interview conducted on 17 August 2011. Migrant and Refugee Oral History Project. A member of the Dinke tribe whose precise date of birth is not known. Lived with his parents in Southern Sudan village of Yirol. Life in the village is described, including his childhood, schooling and his desire to be a farmer and cattle keeper like his father. Separated from his family when aged about 11 in 1989, when the village was attacked, he found sanctuary in a refugee camp in Tacoma, Kenya, from 1992-2006. His family assumed he was dead. There is commentary on the long-term separation from his family and his mother's anguish in trying to recognise him as her son. Conditions in the camp are covered, including work and educational opportunities and also his subsequent selection for settlement in Australia with his uncle, Mayom Mading Agau . Perceptions of Australia, cultural differences and the difficulties encountered are detailed, as are work obtained and further education. While in the refugee camp Abraham met his wife Mary and after a struggle against Dinke tradition, they were officially married on 4 February 2011 in Nairobi, Kenya. With strong religious belief Abraham and Mayom chose to attend a service at St Paulâ€™s Church, Beaconsfield. They immediately found the church community welcoming and supportive and in particular Sue Anderson, Michael and Joan Jessup and the Just Manna group from within the church. This contact made a significant difference to the lives of both men on an ongoing basis.ImprintFremantle, W. A. : City of Fremantle, 17 August 2011Collation2 CDs (95 min.) + eight page guide to contents, including introductionSeries Title Migrant and Refugee Oral History ProjectLanguageEnglishDate Published2011Notes Funding for this project was donated by the Fremantle History SocietyDewey ClassOH/ MATAudio FormatCDDigital ItemYes

COPIES

Barcode30118000381743LocationOral History Collection

PeopleAbraham Mayen MatuenySubjectRefugees, PoliticalCollectionOral History Collection

ACCESS

Request AccessPlease email the Fremantle History Centre: lhc@fremantle.wa.gov.au