A tale of one man’s heart-wrenching journey from orphan to refugee to Australian citizen was celebrated at the inaugural Ipswich Libraries ‘Read Local’ event held at Redbank Plains Library.
Local Pastor Constantin B Mukendi, or ‘Costa,’ captivated an audience of 40 as he shared his life story through his recently released book, ‘I Could Have Been a Street Kid’.
Library Committee Chairman Councillor David Pahlke said the Read Local initiative was about showcasing and acknowledging local authors.
“Costa’s book ‘I Could Have Been a Street Kid’ is an inspirational memoir of resilience, faith, survival, family and love,” Cr Pahlke said.
In 1993, Mr Mukendi fled war-torn Congo and spent the next 11 years in a Zambian refugee camp before resettling in Australia, eventually making his way to Bellbird Park.
Costa is a leader in the community and currently helps other refugees settle in Australia through life skills, linguistics, orientation and social support.
“Costa has beaten the odds and has a message to share that can make a difference to the lives of others,” Cr Pahlke said.
“The Read Local series is a way to celebrate local authors and help them to connect with Ipswich readers.”
Costa’s book is available to borrow from Ipswich Libraries.
Ipswich Libraries plans to host further Read Local events in the new year.
To keep up with events at Ipswich Libraries, please visit: www.library.ipswich.qld.gov.au
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