On Harmony Week, our friendly ICT Service Desk Officer, Mike Chumba and his wife, became proud Australian citizens. He tells us about the journey that took place leading up to their citizenship ceremony.
I am Mike Chumba, a husband and a father of two beautiful children. I was born and raised in Kenya, but I had the opportunity to study and meet my wife in the Philippines.
On 21 March 2016, my wife and I traveled to Perth, Australia, on a Student Visa. I studied IT majoring in Cybersecurity at Edith Cowan University. I was fortunate and blessed to be given a Graduate Visa that allowed me to live and work in Australia after completing my qualification. Subsequently, we obtained our Permanent Residency in 2022. On 21 March 24, exactly 8 years since coming to Perth, WA, we finally had our Australian Citizenship Ceremony. I am thrilled and feel so blessed by the goodness of the Lord!
As a family, we decided to become Australian citizens because we want to be part of this beautiful and peaceful country. It’s a country that provides wonderful opportunities and accepts and respects diversity. I want my children to be part of a country that will support them in reaching their goals in life. What a blessing to have our citizenship ceremony in conjunction with Harmony Week too! Thank you, Australia!
The citizenship ceremony was held at the City of Stirling Reception Hall on March 21, 2024. The Presiding Officer was Mayor Mark Irwin. My whole family was blessed to become Australian citizens on the same day, and we were surrounded with love and support from some of our friends here in Perth. Undoubtedly, our families and relatives overseas are also cheering and happy for us in attaining this great milestone for our family. Glory to God!
Mike Chumba
ICT Service Desk Officer