From Kenya to the Sunshine Coast - A story of determination, opportunity and hope.

BY SHARI HALL 

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY MATTERS MAGAZINE

Every day on the Sunshine Coast, a remarkable story unfolds, embodying the spirit of resilience and the transformative power of community support. Meet Loise Njuguna, a single mother of two who emigrated from Kenya to Australia 24 years ago. Her journey has been fraught with challenges and opportunities, but her unwavering determination stands out. 

Loise has carved out a life for herself and her children in Australia, navigating the complexities of a new culture and the hurdles of single parenthood. The aftermath of a difficult breakup left Loise without family support, burdened by debts and the emotional toll of her circumstances. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her commitment to providing for her children. “I thought, what am I going to do now? I’ve just got to work more,” My daughter loves to dance, but it’s expensive,” she recalls. 

“I started as a disability support worker and worked hard. When my manager noticed this, she offered me a position as a service manager, and I grabbed it. I currently do three jobs to keep my head above water.” Her resilience is nothing short of inspiring, as she balances multiple roles to secure a better future for her family. 

A serendipitous discovery on Facebook led Loise to the LinkedIn Local Sunshine Coast page. On a whim, she attended one of their Wednesday night networking events despite not having a business. This decision would prove to be a turning point. “I went in there not knowing anyone,” she shares. “I thought, I'm just going to go because you never know. That’s when I met Luke Hawley. He gave such a good speech and introduced other people talking… and that was it.” This event opened doors to new connections and opportunities, igniting a spark of hope for Loise. 

One cold night while working as a taxi marshal on Ocean Street in Maroochydore, Loise stumbled upon an application for the Migrant Business Ready program. Despite the late hour and the looming deadline, she decided to apply. The application process was rigorous, demanding thoughtful and detailed responses, but Loise’s perseverance paid off. To her amazement, she was accepted into the program. “They actually accepted me! I couldn’t believe it,” Loise exclaims. 

The Migrant Business Ready program, run by the Sunshine Coast Council, has been transformative for Loise. It provides support and training for migrants to start and grow their businesses. “The well-delivered sessions are awesome,” she says. “Our trainer prompts you to think about your business idea and how it links to you as an individual.” Loise aims to create a service centre for the elderly, offering support beyond the currently available options. She envisions a place where they can receive assistance with shopping, house cleaning, and participating in activities they enjoy, ensuring they do not feel abandoned or neglected. Additionally, as a single mother, she understands the struggles faced by others in similar situations and dreams of establishing a centre that provides holistic support to single parents. It would offer education, childcare, and recreational facilities, empowering single parents to pursue their dreams without compromising their responsibilities. 

Loise’s story is a testament to the supportive and welcoming nature of the Sunshine Coast, a designated Welcoming City. Community business networking events like LinkedIn Local and government programs like the Migrant Business Ready program highlight the commitment to helping migrants build sustainable futures. 

Reflecting on her journey, Loise offers valuable advice: be kind to yourself and speak up. Adjusting to a new country takes time, and it’s important not to internalise the struggles as personal failures. Finding the right support system and not being afraid to ask for help can make a significant difference. 

“It’s very crucial to speak up. Find one person, I don’t care who, and speak up because that will save you,” Loise advises. “Never be afraid to ask, never be afraid to speak.” 

As she continues to work toward her goals, Loise remains an inspiring example of how determination and the right opportunities can transform lives.