Empowering Refugees, Migrants, and Marginalized Australians: The Vision and Impact of Protais Muhirwa and ARMIA Healing the Incurables

Discover how Protais Muhirwa and ARMIA Healing the Incurables empower refugees, migrants, and disadvantaged Australians through holistic support, job training, mental health services, and entrepreneurship programs to foster financial independence and social inclusion.

Millions  of refugees and migrants who have made Australia their home still face daunting challenges years after settling. Unemployment, social isolation, and mental health issues persist, often compounded by language and/or cultural barriers — with over a million Australians unable to speak English proficiently. Skilled professionals struggle to find suitable work, families grapple with financial insecurity, and integration into the broader community remains elusive for many.

In response to these pressing issues, a holistic, multifaceted approach is essential — one that combines job support, education, mental health resources, and entrepreneurship training to move individuals from welfare dependency toward financial independence and social inclusion. Leading this charge is Protais Muhirwa, Founding Director of ARMIA (Active Refugee & Migrant Integration in Australia), currently known as ARMIA Healing the Incurables. 

A Vision Rooted in Community Development and Change 

Protais Muhirwa’s journey to establishing ARMIA began long before its founding on Australia Day, 2015. With over 20 years of experience in community development and cultural awareness, Protais’s leadership is deeply informed by his academic background, including a Master of Science from Tashkent University and advanced studies at the University of Queensland in human resource management and community development. 

Before ARMIA, Protais led the Misericordia International Centre in South Africa, transforming the lives of thousands of refugees and migrants. Under his guidance, many went on to succeed as doctors, lawyers, business leaders, academics, and politicians across continents — a testament to the transformative power of inclusive community development.

ARMIA: A Multicultural Family Support Hub

Based in Sunnybank, Queensland, ARMIA serves refugees, migrants, and disadvantaged individuals who have lived in Australia for more than five years yet still face unemployment, social isolation, and mental health challenges. The organization’s mission is clear: to help these individuals become financially independent and socially integrated, reducing reliance on welfare.

ARMIA operates through a dedicated team of over 70 volunteers and professionals, working closely with businesses, community groups, and government agencies to offer personalized, culturally sensitive programs. Their services span from vocational training and academic support to mental health counselling, legal aid, and entrepreneurship mentoring.

Breaking Barriers: From Welfare Dependency to Financial Independence

At the core of ARMIA’s work is the belief encapsulated by the Chinese proverb: “Don’t give a man a fish; teach him to fish.” This philosophy guides their comprehensive job training and employment support programs, which target industries with labor shortages such as hospitality, aged care, and disability services.

Special attention is given to skilled migrants, single mothers, and widows, ensuring that they receive tailored assistance to gain local work experience, develop entrepreneurial skills, or launch their own businesses. ARMIA’s job placement program goes beyond training by providing ongoing support for up to six months, helping new employees and employers navigate linguistic and cultural differences to foster successful employment relationships.

Expanding Reach: Inclusive Support for All Australians

Recognizing the broader needs of Australian society, ARMIA has extended its services beyond refugees and migrants to support disadvantaged Australians and Indigenous communities. This inclusive approach not only promotes multicultural integration but also counters racism and xenophobia by encouraging collaboration and mutual understanding.

As a registered NDIS and In-Home Care provider, ARMIA offers disability support, psychosocial coaching, and culturally competent home and aged care services — ensuring that vulnerable individuals and senior citizens receive dignified, respectful care tailored to their cultural and linguistic backgrounds.Education, Mental Health, and Legal Aid: A Holistic Framework 

ARMIA’s support for education is robust, offering ESL classes, academic tutoring, vocational certificates, and life skills training. Their partnerships with institutions and community groups help broaden access to essential resources and certification programs like the Certificate 3 in Individual Support, which opens pathways to employment in healthcare and community sectors. 

Mental health support, a critical but often overlooked aspect, is integrated into ARMIA’s services through individual, family and group counselling, trauma-informed care, and referrals to medical and psychological professionals. Indeed, all refugees have fled horrible war conditions hence and most of them carry rather deep psychological wounds that need holistic healing by truly qualified, experienced and multicultural professionals. Legal aid is also provided, helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with initial free consultations and follow-ups. 

Leading with Purpose: Protais Muhirwa’s Business Mantras

Protais’s leadership philosophy is distilled into five guiding principles that continue to drive ARMIA’s impact:

• Empower, Not Enable: Cultivating self-sufficiency rather than dependency.
• Collaborate for Change: Building strong partnerships for sustainable transformation.
• Inclusive Growth: Ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized communities.
• Vision to Action: Translating strategic plans into concrete outcomes.
• Adapt and Innovate: Embracing change to meet evolving community needs. 

The Road Ahead: Sustaining Impact and Building Stronger Communities 

Looking forward, ARMIA aims to expand its geographic reach, deepen partnerships, and secure additional funding to scale its programs. Investing in staff and volunteer training remains a priority to uphold high standards of service delivery. Technology will play an increasing role in improving accessibility and effectiveness of their support systems.

Protais Muhirwa’s unwavering commitment to “never see a need without doing something about it” has positioned ARMIA Healing the Incurables as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation. Through his visionary leadership, ARMIA is not only changing individual lives but also contributing to a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Australian society.