Thousands of refugees and migrants in Australia continue to face unemployment, social isolation, and mental health challenges even after years of settling. There are actually more than a million Australians who cannot speak english. Many skilled professionals struggle to find jobs, while families experience financial insecurity and difficulty integrating into society. To address this, a comprehensive approach is needed—one that combines job support, education, mental health resources, and entrepreneurship training to help individuals move from welfare dependency to financial independence.
Industry leaders are stepping up by developing workforce inclusion programs, creating business opportunities, and pushing for policy changes. Through collaboration with businesses, community groups, and government agencies, they build long-term solutions that empower individuals to rebuild their lives, support the economy, and create a more inclusive society.
Protais Muhirwa, Founding Director at ARMIA (Active Refugee & Migrant Integration in Australia) currently ARMIA Healing the Incurables, has been pivotal in turning the organization into a vital force for change. His leadership, rooted in his expertise in community development and change management, has allowed ARMIA to effectively support refugees and migrants in their journey toward financial stability and social integration. His strategic vision has been key in broadening the organization’s reach, helping those in need transition into sustainable livelihoods.
ARMIA’s recognition for its groundbreaking work in NDIS and in-home care services further underscores the success of Protais’s leadership. Through his advocacy for an inclusive society, he has also extended ARMIA’s mission to benefit Indigenous Australians and other marginalized groups. By nurturing partnerships with businesses, community groups, and government bodies, Protais continues to drive ARMIA’s commitment to fostering a more cohesive and prosperous Australian society.
20+ Years of Dedication
Protais Muhirwa is a community development leader and cultural awareness expert who founded ARMIA, now known as ARMIA Healing the Incurables. With more than 20 years of experience, he has focused on helping marginalized communities integrate successfully and achieve long-term stability.
He holds a Master of Science degree from Tashkent University and has completed advanced courses in human resource management and international issues in community development at the University of Queensland (UQ).
His expertise includes:
- Change management
- Team motivation and development
- Strategic framework creation
- Business planning and policy implementation
Turning Vision into Action
Before starting ARMIA, Protais Muhirwa led the Misericordia International Centre in South Africa, where he helped thousands of refugees and migrants build better lives. Under his leadership, many individuals from different backgrounds became successful in fields like medicine, law, business, academia, and politics. Today, many of them are thriving in Australia, Africa, Europe, and America.
Seeing the positive impact of this work resulting in real human transformation, he founded ARMIA on January 26, 2015 (Australia Day), in Sunnybank, Queensland. His goal was to holistically support refugees and migrants post a 5 year-settlement program in rapidly and sustainably overcoming the challenges of settling and integrating into Australian society.
Supporting Refugees, Migrants, and Disadvantaged Individuals
ARMIA is a multicultural family support hub that helps refugees, migrants, and disadvantaged individuals integrate socially, economically, and culturally. The organization focuses on those who have lived in Australia for over five years but still struggle with employment, social inclusion, and mental well-being.
Under the leadership of Protais Muhirwa, ARMIA works to:
- Address long-term unemployment, underemployment, and social isolation.
- Support individuals in becoming financially independent and less reliant on welfare.
- Provide multicultural support services through a team of over 70 dedicated volunteers and professionals.
- Partner with businesses, community groups, and government agencies to deliver personalized, life-changing programs.
Protais Muhirwa is particularly dedicated to addressing the issue of skilled fit and healthy individuals remaining on welfare, which often leads to mental health struggles, family conflicts, and social isolation. He envisions a future where people have the support and opportunities to become active contributors to society, instead of staying dependent on welfare. Under his leadership, ARMIA works to close gaps in education, employment, and mental health support, while promoting long-term self-reliance by equipping individuals with essential skills and opportunities. Protais Muhirwa also collaborates with key stakeholders to build a more inclusive and diverse community, making ARMIA a beacon of positive change in Australian society.
ARMIA’s mission is further guided by the words of St. Mary MacKillop: “Never see a need without doing something about it” as well as the Chinese proverb “Don’t give a man fish, teach them to fish.”
Extending Support to All Australians
Since 2018, ARMIA has significantly expanded its scope to reach beyond its initial focus on refugees and migrants.
The organization now extends its support to include:
- Disadvantaged Australians facing financial difficulties.
- Indigenous communities, encouraging inclusion and active participation in society.
This expansion aligns with Protais Muhirwa’s vision of creating strong, inclusive communities where everyone is recognized and valued. This is also a practical strategy to combat racism or xenophobia, to promote rapid integration and multicultural interactions.
NDIS & Healthcare Services
As a registered NDIS provider, ARMIA delivers 24/7 disability support, psychosocial disability coaching, and assistive products to improve daily living and safety. The organization also connects clients with medical professionals through GP and mental health referrals. ARMIA proudly endorses the NDIS slogan “to assist people with disability to live a normal life with their families”. That is why ARMIA culturally-competent and experienced workers provide high quality services far beyond NDIS Participants’ expectations.
For senior citizens, ARMIA provides personalized multicultural home and aged care services, ensuring that elderly individuals receive culturally appropriate care while maintaining their independence. ARMIA strongly believes that it is an obligation to properly look after our elderly who have worked very hard for decades to build the things and services we enjoy today.
Academic Support & Training Programs
At ARMIA, students at school, TAFE, and university levels receive support through academic tutoring, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, and professional courses aimed at improving employability. Mentorship and life skills training further promote academic success. ARMIA also offers vocational training in practical areas like sewing, gardening, and cooking, helping students build skills and connect with others in their community. Short courses in hospitality, disability care, and aged care prepare individuals for the workforce, while programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) and the Work Ready Program teach valuable job market skills.
Additionally, ARMIA also offers certification programs like the Certificate 3 in Individual Support, equipping students with the skills to provide quality support in healthcare and community settings, enhancing career prospects. The committed program coordinator ensures that at the end of every employment training, every participant who needs a job gets one, even accompanying them for up to six months to address any potential linguistic and/or cultural issues ensuring both the worker and employer are gratified.
Partnerships & Future Plans
ARMIA collaborates with educational institutions, community organizations, and service providers to share resources, secure funding, and provide coordinated job training and entrepreneurship support.
Looking ahead, ARMIA aims to expand its services to more regions, increase funding through grants and partnerships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and leverage technology to improve service delivery. Investing in staff and volunteer training remains a priority to ensure high-quality support for those in need.
Mental Health & Legal Support
ARMIA provides one-on-one counseling for individuals dealing with trauma, depression, or harassment. Group counseling sessions and information evenings are also available. Clients needing medical care are referred to GPs (general practitioners) and mental health services.
In addition to mental health support, ARMIA offers legal help, including one free hour of legal advice per client, with follow-up sessions based on the case.
Employment & Financial Independence
The philosophy of ARMIA, “Don’t give a man a fish; teach him to fish,” drives its focus on long-term solutions through job training, employment support, and entrepreneurship guidance. The organization offers vocational training in industries with proven workers’ shortages such as hospitality, disability care, and aged care, helping participants secure stable employment. Special programs are available for single mothers and widows to achieve financial independence, while skilled migrants receive assistance in obtaining local work experience.
Business & Entrepreneurship Support
ARMIA empowers individuals to start their small-medium businesses by offering entrepreneurship training, local work experience, and specialized support for single mothers and widows. The organization helps skilled professionals transition into business ownership, creating new economic opportunities.
Protais Muhirwa’s 5 Business Mantras
- Empower, Not Enable: Focus on self-sufficiency over dependency.
- Collaborate for Change: Build impactful partnerships for lasting transformation.
- Inclusive Growth: Provide equal opportunities for marginalized communities.
- Vision to Action: Turn strategy into tangible results.
- Adapt and Innovate: Embrace change to meet evolving needs.
