Former Burundian refugee Vianne Kurikwimana has endured the most horrendous tragedies in Australia
Raiders teenager Vianne Kurikwimana has seen more than his share of grief since arriving in Adelaide, losing three family members in two tragedies. Now, he says, he lives for soccer.
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Few could overcome the heartbreaking trauma Vianne Kurikwimana endured in 2016.
The teenager nearly drowned at Glenelg beach in a New Year’s Day tragedy that claimed the lives of his two cousins.
Then, later that year, he lost his father in a car accident.
But Vianne — whose family had already been through so much after escaping the Burundian Civil War — says his passion for soccer and its supportive community has helped carry him through his dark days.
“Soccer has kept me going,’’ says the Playford International College Year 10 student.
“That’s what I live for.”
Vianne’s passion for soccer has been showing on the pitch.
Last year, he won man of the match for the Raiders under-18s in their championship-winning match.
The 16-year-old has backed that up with another stunning season this year for his team, which made it to the under-18s Federation Cup final but lost to MetroStars.
And that sparkling form has now earned him a spot in the under-17 team for AUMC, one of the state’s elite soccer organisations, and has him heading for Spain this week to take part in the Komm Mitt International Youth Football Cup.
Vianne is fundraising to cover the trip’s $3000 cost. Friends, family and his school have already donated more than two-thirds.
“Big tournaments like this have always been a breeding ground for young, raw talents, and I believe this year, everyone has a chance to show the world what they’ve got,” he says. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to play in one and showcase my ability.”
Soccer’s world stage in Spain is a long way from the Tanzanian refugee camp where Vianne was born in 2003.
Two years earlier, his family had fled the Burundian Civil War, which killed 300,000 and displaced about 1.2 million in what is regarded as one of the world’s poorest countries.
In 2007, his family was granted refugee status in Australia and moved to Adelaide, settling in Mansfield Park and becoming active members of the Burundi expat community.
On New Year’s Day three years ago, Vianne joined family and friends at Glenelg beach.
He was exploring the rocks with his cousins, Frank Ndikuriyo and Thierry Niyomwungere, when they fell into the water and were soon in difficulty.
Rescuers managed to pull Vianne safely from the water but Frank and Thierry died in the tragic accident.
“It felt like a normal New Year’s Day and we were out as a (Burundian) community at Glenelg beach and enjoying the sun and good times,” Vianne says.
“As a group of boys we all decided to go for a swim and everyone else was at the barbecue and as we were having fun. A rip came along and swept us away and I lost my cousins.”
“I guess what happened those years ago will forever leave a scar on our community, and the beach isn’t really a popular place anymore for our community.
“Most people in our community are religious and we believe when someone passes away it means that God has other plans for them back home, and instead of grieving every time I sometimes look up and just think to myself that they are in a better place now.”
Six months after the beach tragedy, Vianne’s dad, Emile Nkurunziza, a salesman, was travelling in WA on business when he was killed in a car crash.
“This isn’t something I publicly like speaking about but everyone who knew my dad knows how caring, funny and loved he was,” says Vianne, who now stays strong for his mother, Clodine Niyosaba, and five brothers and sisters.
“I always looked up to him growing up and he helped me a lot in the short time I had him for. I just hope other people who are more fortunate to have both parents helping them everyday are grateful for them.”
TO DONATE TO VIANNE’S SPANISH TRIP, VISIT GOFUNDME.COM
