Skilled Migrant Professionals Spring 2016 | Page 38

Backtalk

From
South
Sudan
To South
Australia
My journey so far

By Denis
Yengi,
Category
Manager at
Department
of Health and
Ageing, SA

ORIGINALLY FROM WAR-TORN SOUTH SUDAN in East Africa, I arrived in Australia in 1999 and have since completed my
education in South Australia. I now work as a Chartered Practicing
Accountant, am a Member of CPA Australia and have been working
in various roles for the South Australian government since 2005.
I am also a current CPA Australia – South Australia Divisional
Council member, which supports CPA Australia’s board in three key
areas:
1. Being the public face of CPA Australia in South Australia
2. Championing relevant issues
3. Advocating on behalf of members
In addition to these roles, I currently volunteer as a finance director for the not-for-profit organisation, Kajo-Keji Youths of South
Australia. I have also occupied several voluntary positions in South
Australia including being the founding principal of Bari Ethnic
School of South Australia Inc., president of the Kuku Welfare Association of South Australia Inc., and treasurer of the South Sudan
Equatoria Communities Association in South Australia Inc. (SSECA-

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SA) – a peak body representing eight South Sudanese communities
in South Australia.
I strongly believe that every young person should have a chance
to pursue their dreams, even in the midst of