The refugee, settled in Wodonga in March after fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo, graduated last week from the Getting Connected and Getting Work program, aimed at providing employment skills and advice to new arrivals to the city.

In the past, Mr Rutebeza worked with the community in a Kenyan refugee camp after completing courses in counselling, community development and paralegal studies in Africa.

The 33-year-old, who is studying community services in aged care and nursing at Wodonga TAFE, is now keen to get to work on the Border.

Mr Rutebeza said the program had taught him what to expect when job-hunting in Wodonga.

“I enjoyed it so much — it has made me more confident,” he said.

“My hope is to work in the community.

“We are so happy to be in Wodonga, in Australia.”

Mr Rutebeza, who is fluent in five languages, including French, English and Swahili, graduated with 15 others from the council program, which was conducted by consultancy firm 100 Monkeys.