Stand proud

Ajoh. Photo / Babiche Martens

You may recognise our model Ajoh - she starred recently on television's New Zealand's Next Top Model.

Ajoh is no ordinary 21 year old. Her life, thus far, has been an amazing journey. Born in Sudan, she was a small child when war broke out and all of her childhood was spent in refugee camps - for seven years in Sudan and a further five years in Kenya. Her father died when she was very young and a brother when he was just two.

"Refugees life is very hard," explains Ajoh - her gorgeous smile lost for a moment. "Life is very hard, especially for single ladies. My mum who had four children had to work so very hard..."

Ajoh went to school in the refugee camps but there was nothing much else to do. When the news came from her half sister, who was living in New Zealand, that Ajoh and her family could join her it was greeted with a mixture of sadness and joy.

"I was very sad to leave my friends, but we knew New Zealand was a nice place to live. Now, if I work and get money I would love to sponsor them to come over. It's a real good place to be."

Ajoh and her family arrived in New Zealand in 2005 and spent their first six weeks in the Refugee Centre in Mangere before they got a house.

"It was very good, they showed us how to go shopping, took the children to school, taught us English, how to use computers...

And then, when we got our house, it was very nice," laughs Ajoh. "Me and my little sisters have always slept in the same room. So to have separate rooms, it's really good."

Ajoh started at Mangere College where she was teased for being different. "'What happened to you?' 'Why are you black?' It used to upset me... But I made a lot of friends."

This trait to find good in adversity, is what sets Ajoh apart. She can't believe her life has changed so much - particulary since she began modelling.

"I used to be the kind of person who didn't want to be the centre of attention. I used to be shy and think I can't do things. But modelling has really made a difference. I am proud of myself. Proud of who I am.

"I am excited to give things a try. I want to make a career as a model, try acting... And I am going to be a New Zealand citizen soon. All our papers were destroyed in the war in Sudan. Soon I will have a New Zealand passport, be a New Zealand citizen, be a New Zealand model. It's good!"

* Saturday 20 June is World Refugee Day. For more information go to refugeeservices.org.nz