The other African student was her older sister.

“I struggled for about a year because I felt like the kids would separate themselves from me because I was the only black person,” she said. “But gradually things got better, I made friends and now I feel like this school is my home.”

Benedicta,18, was forced to flee her homeland of Togo after political violence erupted in the country following the sudden death of president Gnassingbé Eyadéma in 2005.

War broke out when his son, Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema succeeded his father and was elected president despite widespread international criticism. Hundreds died challenging his victory. Benedicta said her home was never the same again.

“It was really hard when the fighting started because we moved to so many different places,” she said. “Then my father died. My mum took my little sister and they fled to a refugee camp while me and my older sister stayed with my grandmother.”

Benedicta spent her childhood watching her family members die due to the poverty and destruction that surrounded her.

“After my grandmother died I was sent to live with her uncle but then he died and we went to live with my mum’s twin sister,” she said.

She was reunited with her mum in Australia almost eight years ago but she said the adjustment to life in a foreign land had been challenging. This week, marks National Refugee Week and Benedicta want to shine the light on the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to the city.

“It’s a way for people to understand to us and to hear our stories,” she said.

The year 12 student told The Courier she hoped to be a school teacher one day.

“I love children and would love to help educate them so they can reach their dreams,” she said.

Meanwhile, human rights activist and author Arnold Zable held a forum at the Ballarat library with The Courier’s editor Eugene Duffy. Mr Zable will be discussing his new book The Fighter which delves into the life of Australian Jewish champion boxer Henry Nissen who grew up in working-class Carlton. 

On Wednesday, there will be a House of Welcome fundraiser lunch to raise money for emergency assistance to asylum seekers lead by South Sudanese refugee Issac T Moses from 1.30pm. The event is at the Nazareth House Hall, 218 Mill Street, Lake Wendouree. Tickets: $20 for adults and $15 for concession. For details call 5332 5941.