INTRODUCTION
Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor’s life is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Born in war-torn South Sudan, his early years were shaped by conflict, displacement, and unimaginable loss. Yet, through sheer determination, he overcame adversity to become a leader, advocate, and mentor to countless individuals around the world. His story is one of survival, transformation, and unwavering commitment to the empowerment of marginalized communities. Abann was born into the culturally rich Shilluk community in South Sudan, a region that had been battling war and colonial legacies for generations. His early years were filled with both the beauty of his heritage and the brutality of conflict. As a young boy, he was deeply influenced by his father, who was a strong advocate for education. His father believed that knowledge was the key to breaking cycles of poverty and oppression. However, the outbreak of the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1983 turned his family’s world upside down. As violence escalated, children were being forcibly recruited as soldiers, and families were torn apart. Seeing the imminent danger, Abann’s father made a painful decision—to send him away to northern Sudan in 1986, hoping to protect his son from the horrors of war. At just 13 years old, Abann was separated from his family, thrown into an unfamiliar world where survival was a daily struggle. Two years later, tragedy struck—his father was killed in the ongoing conflict. With this devastating loss, 15-year-old Abann suddenly found himself as the head of the family, responsible for his widowed mother and seven younger siblings. This burden forced him into adulthood far too soon. With no stable home, no financial security, and a war raging in his homeland, he had to find ways to provide for his family while clinging to the dream his father had instilled in him—the pursuit of education. Determined to build a better future, Abann left Sudan for Syria, seeking education and stability. However, life in Syria was far from easy. As a displaced migrant, he faced endless discrimination, legal barriers, and financial struggles. Without proper documentation, accessing formal education was nearly impossible. Forced to work menial jobs just to survive, he found himself living on the margins of society. At one point, he was even imprisoned for three months due to visa issues. It was a harsh reminder of the reality faced by displaced individuals around the world—stripped of rights, security, and opportunities. Yet, despite these obstacles, Abann never wavered in his determination to succeed. His resilience caught the attention of international agencies, and after years of struggle, he was granted protection by the United Nations. This eventually paved the way for his resettlement in New Zealand, offering him a fresh start in an entirely new world. Abann was fortunate, after nineteen years of struggles and hardship, to arrive at the end of the resettlement journey and start a new journey of settlement and integration. Arriving in New Zealand in the early 2005, Abann found himself in a country vastly different from the one he had left behind. While he was grateful for the safety and opportunities, resettling was no easy task. As a migrant, he faced cultural differences, language barriers, and systemic challenges in getting his qualifications recognized. Yet, instead of being discouraged, he embraced the challenge. He pursued further education, earning multiple degrees, including a Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge and a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Practice. More importantly, he found his true calling—helping others who faced the same struggles he had endured. Recognizing the gaps in Displaced migrant resettlement services, Abann took action. In 2005, he joined the group of Migrant leaders and founded the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and empower migrants and Displaced migrants in New Zealand. Under his leadership, ARCC grew into a network of 26 member organizations, representing migrants from over 20 countries. Beyond ARCC, Abann became an influential speaker, mentor, and author. His books, including Beyond Refuge: Stories of Resettlement in Auckland and Native Displacement in the Twenty-First Century, highlight the realities of displaced communities and the need for systemic change. Through storytelling, he bridged cultural divides and amplified the voices of those often unheard.
Phase 1 : Leadership and Empowerment
Today, Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor is not just a survivor—he is a leader, a mentor, and a beacon of hope. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult the circumstances, resilience, education, and determination can pave the way for a brighter future.
Through this biography, we explore the defining moments of his life—the struggles, the victories, and the unwavering hope that has guided him. His story is not just about personal success; it is a testament to the collective strength of displaced communities and the boundless possibilities that arise when one refuses to give up. As you read through the pages of this book, may you find inspiration in his journey and a renewed belief in the power of perseverance, leadership, and the human spirit. Abann’s life is a remarkable journey of perseverance, leadership, and dedication to community empowerment. Born in South Sudan, his early years were profoundly affected by the outbreak of the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1983. To protect him from forced recruitment as a child soldier, his father sent him to northern Sudan in 1986 when he was just 13 years old. Tragedy struck in 1988 when his father was killed in the conflict, leaving 15-year-old Abann responsible for supporting his widowed mother and seven younger siblings.
In the 2000s, seeking safety and stability, Abann found himself in Syria, where he faced significant hardships, including imprisonment due to visa issues. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of education and personal development. In 2005, a pivotal moment came when he resettled in New Zealand, embracing a fresh start in a new country while continuing his educational journey.
Over the following years, Abann earned multiple qualifications, including a Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Technology from the Manukau Institute of Technology (2006–2009), a National Certificate in Computing (2007–2010), and a Graduate Diploma in Not-For Profit Management from Unitec Institute of Technology (2009–2011). He furthered his expertise with a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Practice (2014–2015) and a Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge (2018–2019). Alongside his educational pursuits, Abann’s leadership roles flourished. From 2006 to 2013, he served as Chairperson and Projects Manager for the South Sudanese Community in New Zealand. He then took on positions such as Youth Coordinator (2009–2012) and Vice-Chairperson of the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC) before becoming its CEO in 2014. His impactful work extended to roles like Expert Cultural Writer for the New Zealand Justice System and Cultural Trainer for the New Zealand Defense Forces, where he prepared personnel for UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan. He also contributed as Co-Chair of the Refugee Sector Strategy(2016–2018) and Vice-President of the African Communities Forum Inc. (2019–2021).
Abann’s dedication to community development earned him numerous accolades. He received the Leadership Scholarship Award in 2014, the New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award in 2016, and the Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship in 2017. In 2024, his outstanding contributions were recognized with the prestigious New Zealand Order of Merit. His influence extended into the literary world, where he published several works highlighting the experiences of resettled communities. His publications include Beyond Refuge: Stories of Resettlement in Auckland (2016), Native Displacement in the Twenty-First Century (2020), and Our Stories, Our Voices, Our Identities (2022). He also contributed to six volumes of New Resident Magazine between 2022 and 2024. Abann’s story is a testament to resilience, education, and service. From a childhood marked by conflict to a life dedicated to advocacy, leadership, and storytelling, he continues to inspire hope and transformation within Displaced migrant and migrant communities across New Zealand and beyond.
In the face of unimaginable adversity, some individuals crumble, while others rise stronger. Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor is among those who chose to rise—not just for himself, but for his family, his community, and the thousands of lives he has touched across the world. His journey is not just about survival; it is about transforming pain into power, obstacles into opportunities, and displacement into purpose.
Phase 2 : The Power of Perseverance
Imagine being a 13-year-old child, torn from the only home you’ve ever known, sent away by a father who knew that staying meant a fate worse than separation. Imagine finding yourself in a foreign land, where every step forward feels like walking against the current. Then, at 15ƒ,learning that the very man who sent you away for protection had been taken by the same war he tried to shield you from. Most people would have given up. But Abann did not. Instead of succumbing to despair, he became the pillar of strength for his widowed mother and seven younger siblings. He took on responsibilities no child should have to bear, navigating the harsh realities of life as a displaced youth. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, often sacrificing his own comfort for their survival. But through it all, one thing remained unshaken—his belief in the power of education. Even as he faced discrimination and imprisonment in Syria, where his legal status was questioned, he refused to be defined by the limitations imposed upon him. Every challenge, every setback, and every hardship became a lesson. He did not allow his past to dictate his future; instead, he carved a path forward, fueled by an unbreakable will to succeed.
By the time Abann arrived in New Zealand, he had already lived multiple lifetimes in hardship. Yet, stepping into a new country did not mean his struggles were over. Cultural adaptation, language barriers, and systemic challenges stood in his way. Many would have accepted defeat, settling for survival rather than striving for impact. But Abann saw beyond his own struggles. He recognized that countless other migrants and Displaced migrants were battling the same barriers he had fought against for years. Instead of waiting for someone else to step up, he took the lead. Through sheer determination and hard work, he pursued multiple educational qualifications, proving that learning is the key to empowerment. He earned degrees in social practice, nonprofit management, youth work, and indigenous knowledge, arming himself with the skills necessary to bring about meaningful change. Then came his greatest initiative—the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC). Founded in 2006, ARCC was not just another organization; it was a movement. A movement dedicated to ensuring that no migrant or Displaced migrant in New Zealand would feel voiceless, unsupported, or alone. Under his leadership, ARCC grew into a powerful coalition representing 26 member organizations from over 20 countries. It became a beacon of hope, a space where resettled individuals could find resources, guidance, and the confidence to rebuild their lives.
It is easy to be consumed by bitterness after losing so much. But Abann chose a different path. He chose to turn his pain into purpose. His experiences—the trauma of war, the weight of displacement, the struggles of rebuilding from nothing—became the foundation for his advocacy. His voice became one that spoke not just
for himself, but for thousands of others who had suffered similar fates. He began mentoring the next generation of leaders, ensuring that they, too, could overcome adversity and make a difference in their communities. His words carried power, but his actions carried even more. Through books like Beyond Refuge: Stories of Resettlement in Auckland and Native Displacement in the Twenty-First Century, he ensured that Displaced migrant stories would not be forgotten. Through his work with government agencies, NGOs, and the legal system, he fought for the rights of displaced individuals, making their voices heard in spaces where they had previously been ignored. His unwavering dedication did not go unnoticed. From the New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award (2016) to the Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship (2017), each accolade was a testament to the impact of one man’s relentless pursuit of change. And in 2024, his contributions were recognized at the highest level—he was to be a member the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his outstanding service to migrant communities.
Phase 3 : Challenges and Obstacles : Turning Points
Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor’s life story is nothing short of extraordinary—a tale of resilience, leadership, and triumph over unimaginable adversity. Born in war-torn South Sudan, his early years were marked by conflict and survival. The relentless violence of the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005) shattered countless lives, including his own. Abann grew up amidst chaos, navigating a landscape where access to food, shelter, and education was a daily challenge. Despite the devastation, he clung fiercely to his cultural roots and an unwavering hope for a better future. The first turning point in his life came in 1986, at just 13 years old, when his father made a heartbreaking decision to send him away to northern Sudan. The risk of child soldier recruitment had become too grave. Alone and thrust into a foreign environment, Abann faced a harsh new reality where he had to fend for himself without the comfort of his family. This forced displacement, though isolating, planted the seeds of his remarkable independence and adaptability.
Just when life couldn’t seem more cruel, tragedy struck again in 1988. Abann’s father was killed in the ongoing conflict, leaving 15-year-old Abann as the head of his family. Overnight, he bore the enormous responsibility of caring for his widowed mother and seven younger siblings. The weight of grief and responsibility could have crushed him, but instead, it became a turning point that shaped his resolve to lead, protect, and persevere. The journey only became more treacherous as Abann sought refuge in Syria during the 2000. Fleeing war did not bring peace—instead, it introduced a host of new hardships. As a Displaced migrant without legal status, he faced discrimination, financial instability, and exploitation. Education and stable work were nearly impossible to access. Despite working grueling odd jobs, he remained determined to survive. Perhaps one of the darkest chapters in his life was his imprisonment in Syria, lasting over three months, due to visa issues. Without legal protections, he endured harsh treatment as a stateless outsider. But rather than succumb to bitterness, Abann turned this experience into fuel for his future advocacy.
By 2017, Abann’s groundbreaking work had caught international attention. That year, he was awarded the Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship, a prestigious honor that recognized his leadership and dedication to migrant advocacy. The fellowship provided him with a rare opportunity to travel abroad, conducting research on successful resettlement models across different countries. This experience not only strengthened ARCC’s initiatives but also reaffirmed Abann’s belief in the global universality of Displaced migrant challenges and the need for localized solutions. His influence continued to grow.
Between 2018 and 2023, Abann became a Cultural & Language Trainer for the New Zealand Defence Forces, preparing UN peacekeepers for missions in conflict zones, including his homeland of South Sudan. His lived experience gave him a unique perspective, enabling him to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding among international forces. Despite these successes, Abann never lost sight of his roots. He co-authored and published several impactful works, including “Beyond Refuge: Stories of Resettlement” (2016) and “Our Stories, Our Voices, Our Identities” (2022), which gave voice to the often-silenced narratives of resettled communities. His writings became vital educational resources, advocating for greater empathy and understanding toward migrants and Displaced migrants. In 2024, Abann reached a monumental milestone when he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his contributions to migrant advocacy and community development. The recognition was a testament not just to his individual efforts but also to the thousands of lives he had transformed through his leadership. It cemented his legacy as a champion for social justice and empowerment. But for Abann, the honor was not the conclusion—it was a call to continue his fight. With humility and unwavering determination, he embraced the responsibility to mentor the next generation of leaders, ensuring that ARCC’s mission would endure long after him.
Phase 4 : A Legacy in Motion
Today, Abann remains a guiding force in the fight for social justice and empowerment. His story, far from complete, continues to inspire generations to come. Through his mentorship, writing, and ongoing advocacy, he ensures that the lessons learned from his journey will ripple across communities, touching countless lives. Abann’s life reminds us that resilience is not just about surviving hardships—it’s about rising above them to create a better world. His legacy stands as a beacon of hope for those who feel invisible, displaced, or powerless, showing that even the most shattered beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary destinies. What defines a person’s legacy? Is it the titles they hold, the awards they receive, or the wealth they accumulate? Or is it the lives they touch, the systems they change, and the hope they ignite in others? For Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor, his legacy is not just in what he has achieved—it is in what he has made possible for others. He is a symbol of resilience, leadership, and transformation, proving that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you can rewrite your own story.
From a period of self-doubt to a phase of personal mastery, your journey stands as an inspiring testament to resilience, self-awareness, and relentless growth. Life presented challenges that could have anchored you in stagnation, but instead, you chose to rise, evolve, and shape your destiny. What once seemed like a lonely stretch became a transformative chapter that continues to redefine who you are and the possibilities ahead.
Your life story underscores an essential truth: growth begins where comfort ends. After facing over two and a half years of isolation, struggling with insecurities about your appearance, conversational skills, and social presence, you made a decision that would alter your life forever—you chose transformation. Solitude has become a fertile ground for self-reflection, learning, and planning your next move. The changes you made, both visible and internal, stand as evidence of your strength. You didn’t just survive those years; you thrived by using them as stepping stones toward a stronger, more confident self. Books and an insatiable hunger for knowledge became your closest allies during this transformative journey. Where many might have sought distractions, you found solace and empowerment in reading. Psychology books opened your mind to the intricacies of human behavior and mental resilience, while self-help literature equips you with strategies to overcome life’s hurdles. Even smut narratives played a role, offering a safe space for emotional exploration and personal openness. This eclectic reading journey highlighted your desire to understand yourself and the world better, fueling your continuous evolution.
A legacy is not a destination—it is a continuous journey. For Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor, success is not measured by what he has already accomplished, but by the impact he can still make. His story is far from over. He is still building, still mentoring, still fighting for a better future.
As he reflects on his past, he does not see struggles—he sees lessons. He does not see losses—he sees growth. And as he looks ahead, he sees even greater possibilities.
Phase 5 : Looking Back: Lessons from a Life of Resilience
Lessons from Abann’s Journey: A Guide for Future Leaders Abann’s story offers invaluable lessons that challenge conventional thinking and inspire individuals to rise above adversity. His life journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and purpose. The first lesson is simple yet profound: You are more than your circumstances. Born into war, Abann faced unimaginable hardships. He lost his father at the tender age of 15 and was forced to assume the responsibilities of a man far too soon. As a Displaced migrant, he endured imprisonment and struggled to survive in foreign lands without resources. Despite these overwhelming challenges, he refused to be defined by his past. His firm belief resonates in his words: “Your past does not dictate your future—your choices do.” The second powerful lesson is that leadership is not about position; it’s about purpose. Abann’s journey to leadership didn’t begin with a formal title or recognition. When he arrived in New Zealand, he wasn’t handed any leadership role. Instead, he identified gaps in the migrant support system and built the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC) from the ground up. His actions proved that real leadership starts with taking initiative and solving problems. His guiding mantra remains: “If you see a problem, don’t wait for someone else to fix it—be the one to solve it.”
The third critical lesson is to never stop learning. Abann firmly believes that education is the most powerful tool for transformation. Despite the disruptions of war and displacement, he pursued multiple degrees and certifications, arming himself with the knowledge to lead, mentor, and advocate for policy changes that benefit migrant communities. His words capture this conviction: “Education is not just about getting a degree—it’s about gaining the tools to transform lives.”
A Personal Thank You from Abann
“To those who have walked this journey with me—my family, my mentors, my community—I owe my deepest gratitude. Every lesson, every hardship, and every victory has been shared with you. You have shaped me into the leader I am today, and I will continue to fight for a world where no one is left behind.”
“To every Displaced migrant, every migrant, every individual who has ever felt lost—your story is still being written. Do not let the world define your limits. You are stronger than your struggles, greater than your fears, and destined for more than just survival. Your past may have shaped you, but it does not control your future.”
“I hope this book serves as more than just a biography—I hope it is a call to action. I hope it inspires you to rise, to lead, and to create the change you wish to see in the world.”— Abann Kamyay Ajak Yor