This is Joseph and his family who are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Joseph came to Australia in 2009 after living in refugee camps for 12 years.
Please listen for a few minutes to hear a little bit about Joseph’s life and what it means to him to be a father – recorded on the verandah of his home
These images were some of the photos of Joseph’s family as part of the ‘Restoring Hope – Celebrating Fathers’ Uniting Care Cutting Edge Family portrait project that I did. Seven Shepparton refugee fathers were photographed at their home doing something they loved with their children and this included having a family group photo. The fathers were gifted a professionally framed family photo and the other photos during refugee week in June 2014 after an exhibition and celebration was held in Shepparton.
“When I was young I use to play soccer. I was a goal keeper. I try to play a little bit of soccer but it is a little bit hard. I have more responsibility to look after my family and I have 8 children plus my wife” Joseph Atanga.
I will be sharing more of the other families soon.