LOGAN man Kiba Aoci has faced more challenges at the young age of 24 than many would suffer in a lifetime.
In 2005, he sought refuge in Australia after living a tough life in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr Aoci has made the most of his new life, picking up employment to support himself through university studying human services in 2016.
However, things took a turn for the worst this year when Mr Aoci was diagnosed with a brain tumour which has almost completely eliminated his eyesight.
Despite facing a difficult period in his life, Mr Aoci does not feel sorry for himself, instead sympathising with people in the world who are worse off.
“There are other people out there struggling more than I am, they are innocent people who just don’t get support,” he said.
“Not only in Congo and Africa but in Asia if people had heard of experiences the conditions some people lived in it would just shock them.”
Mr Aoci is not letting his condition get him down after receiving a welcome $5000 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship to help mitigate vision loss and cover university costs.
“I know it is important to focus on the positives and I know there are people who have much bigger probIems than me,” he said.
“I am very grateful to have this opportunity to complete my studies and follow my dream by receiving this scholarship.”
Redkite has awarded 34 scholarships to Australians aged 15 to 24 who are suffering from cancer.
Coles managing director John Durkan said Mr Aoci stood out among the scholarship applicants and he was happy to help him follow his dream.
Mr Aoci was among three national winners to receive the $5000 scholarship while five national finalists received $3000 and 26 state recipients were awarded $2000.
