Abouk found herself working at the arts and design social enterprise hub following a long journey which saw her family escaping religious persecution and civil war in South Sudan.
Abouk is the granddaughter of a sub-tribal chief in South Sudan and many people with Sudanese heritage would immediately be aware of her lineage and status.
Her journey from royalty to refugee began in 2002 when her family fled South Sudan. Abouk is one of around 24,000 South Sudanese people who left the country between 2001 and 2006 to escape the civil war.
Despite the challenges of integrating into a new society, Abouk has emerged as a role model for her community through her work at Space2b. Her determination and resilience led her to become an artist and an architecture student all while raising her three young children.
“My parents wanted us to have a free life in Australia, and I think they achieved that,” Abouk said.
Abouk’s role as the Retail Manager is driven by her commitment to empowering others while fostering inclusion within her community.
“I have flourished since joining Space2b and I love how it allows you to just get out there and see the world and all it has to offer,” she said.
“Space2b is a warm safe space where you are heard, loved and somehow, I feel confident and far less likely to want to hide as a human.”
Located at 144 Chapel Street in Balaclava, Space2b is a social enterprise that supports new migrants, refugees, and individuals seeking asylum.
It provides a platform for creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship, empowering individuals to build economic independence and social connections.
Through workshops, training programs, and community engagement, Space2b creates opportunities for personal growth and social integration.
