Migration has always been a fundamental part of human history, driven by the pursuit of safety, opportunity, and a better quality of life. However, unlike birds that traverse vast distances without restriction, human migration is often met with significant challenges. Beyond physical borders, migrants face cultural, linguistic, and social barriers that make true integration difficult.
Even with the best intentions and structured efforts, socio-cultural and national integration remains an ongoing challenge for governments worldwide. Australia is no exception, as its migration settlement programs continue to grapple with barriers that prevent seamless integration. Recognizing these challenges, Active Refugee & Migrant Integration (ARMIA) currently ARMIA Healing the Incurables was established in 2015 to support both migrants and the Australian Government in closing these gaps.
At its core is the visionary leadership of Protais Muhirwa—a seasoned manager, business leader, consultant, and cultural awareness expert. With a mission to foster meaningful inclusion, ARMIA is dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering migrants to become active, valued members of Australian society.
Bridging Fundamentals
Protais possesses a unique set of skills and capabilities, honed through experience in intense, pressurized, demanding environments. He has developed strong expertise in change management, team motivation and development, strategic framework creation, business plan and policy implementation, and operating at various levels of responsibility. He also excels at working closely with individuals to enhance their confidence and abilities.
Protais is a dynamic, values-driven leader with a strategic focus on organizational objectives and demonstrates exceptional communication, listening presentation, and interpersonal skills. He prides himself on his collaborative working style and his ability to balance social, cultural, commercial, and political needs within complex settings. He is capable of quickly establishing professional rapport and brings integrity, energy, and accountability to team environments.
Protais directs ARMIA, an organization deeply committed to holistic support. “We are a drop-in centre and social enterprise based in Brisbane,” he explains, “focused on providing holistic support for New Australians and other least advantaged Australians.”
ARMIA celebrates a decade of empowering communities. For the past ten years, the organization has been dedicated to providing multicultural support to New Australians and disadvantaged individuals. Through comprehensive services, including 24/7 NDIS support, multicultural home and aged care, and community-based programs, ARMIA has empowered countless individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives.
ARMIA–Dedicated to Serve
ARMIA stands out as a local registered 24/7 NDIS provider. “ARMIA stands out,” Protais emphasizes, “by offering holistic, multicultural support to New Australians and least advantaged individuals, creating job opportunities for those with overseas qualifications, funding free services to empower people, and helping skilled individuals start their own businesses, all while building a thriving, inclusive community in Brisbane.”
He continues, “We provide the best imaginable person-centred In-Home Care and NDIS services to people from any cultural background, strictly respecting their choices and expectations.”
ARMIA’s dedication to service has earned it numerous accolades. “We create jobs for our chronically unemployed and/or underemployed clients, many with overseas university degrees and many years of work experience, who often seek any job to get out of welfare dependence to feed themselves and their own families,” Protais states. “We provide In-Home and NDIS services beyond participants’ and consumers’ expectations. That’s how ARMIA has won several local, national, and international awards and trophies.”
As a community-based non-profit, ARMIA funds multiple free services. “We fund ARMIA’s multiple free services,” Protais explains, “to holistically empower New Australians, and other least disadvantaged Australians, to rapidly become healthy, productive, and proud citizens.”
ARMIA’s multicultural focus extends to supporting individuals with management skills to start their own small-medium enterprises. “We support those with management skills to start their own small-medium enterprises where they even employ other Australians, proudly paying taxes while they feed themselves and their own families,” Protais asserts. “We support people with disability (NDIS) and Seniors (In-Home Care) to live a normal life with their families.”
An Array of Assistance
ARMIA, under Protais‘s direction, offers a diverse array of programs and services. “Our Programs & Services,” Protais emphasizes, “are designed to provide comprehensive support to those we serve.”
“NDIS Support,” he begins, “is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The NDIS can provide all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities, as well as information about provided support.”
Employment support is a core focus. “One of ARMIA’s major objectives in our Vision,” Protais explains, “is to holistically combat unemployment and/or underemployment, contributing to removing fit men and women from endless welfare dependency. ‘Don’t give a man fish, teach them to fish’ is our guiding principle.”
ARMIA provides multicultural home and aged care services. “ARMIA will support you in choosing the right balance of services,” Protais states, “which will help you stay at home, living the life you deserve with your family. We strictly provide services based on the individual needs and cultural requirements.”
Cleaning services are also offered. “ARMIA’s Cleaning Services,” Protais notes, “offer a range of services including regular, deep, and end-of-lease cleaning, using eco-friendly products and advanced techniques to ensure thorough, high-quality results.”
Adult, family and youth counselling support is available. “If you are struggling with a lack of motivation, harassment, depression, or are dealing with severe trauma,” Protais explains, “you may find that one-on-one sessions with our highly qualified, experienced, and culturally competent counsellors will give you the skills to cope.”
Conversational English classes (ESL program) are provided. “Highly qualified and experienced ESL teachers,” Protais asserts, “will rapidly help you with practical conversational English.”
Free legal advice is offered. “One free hour for each client,” Protais states. “Each case will then be followed up on its merits and/or directed to appropriate agencies.”
ARMIA facilitates GP and mental health service referrals. “Please call one of ARMIA Counsellors for more information,” Protais advises.
Homework and academic support are available for school and university students. “Students in all year levels,” Protais notes, “are expected to complete homework as part of their learning program. Students at TAFE and University also receive the academic support they need.”
Life skills and vocational training support are provided. “ARMIA provides sewing, gardening, and cooking sessions,” Protais explains, “to build skills in these areas for all members of the community. We provide specialized training with various short courses (hospitality, Disability/Aged Care and Others) leading to effective employment.”
ARMIA offers various classes. “We offer Conversational English Class (ESL) For Adults – Beginner Level, Sewing Classes, Computer Classes, and Work Ready Programs,” Protais lists.
The SQW – Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative is a key focus. “One of ARMIA’s major objectives in our Vision,” Protais reiterates, “is to holistically combat unemployment and/or underemployment, contributing to removing fit men and women from endless welfare dependency.”
From Aspiration to Employment: ARMIA’s Impact
“Over the last 10 years,” Protais continues, “thousands have been directly or indirectly empowered to (re) join the job market in various industries or start own small-also in various industries, become healthy, proud, and productive Australians, feeding medium themselves and own families, paying taxes etc.”
“We do so mainly through targeted training focusing on industries that have workers’ shortages, including but not limited to NDIS, in-home care, and hospitality,” Protais clarifies.
“ARMIA currently runs the following courses/programs: Anyone who needs a job can get one through our holistic and person-centred service delivery. SQW: Certificate 3 in Individual Support. Work Ready – To prepare individuals accessing the job market,” Protais says.
A Message from the Heart
He continues, his tone reflecting a deep personal commitment, “We are committed to supporting New Australians after their first five years of settlement in Australia. We help to promote socio-economic participation and combat social isolation.”
“Our Mission,” Protais elaborates, “is to holistically empower mostly, but not limited to, New Australians, i.e., those refugees and migrants who no longer are part of the Australian Government’s settlement program, to be part of the workforce or business community, to proudly take their place as acknowledged and valued members of Australian society. This is done as a Multicultural Family Support Hub in SE Queensland, through a Holistic Approach.”
He uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate ARMIA’s role. “We are symbolically a ‘Tree’ welcoming any ‘birds’ with any needs at any time, i.e., a drop-in centre and bridge between New Australians, the Government, and other service providers and stakeholders. We assist all disadvantaged mainstream and indigenous persons; it is also a practical way to promote rapid integration and multicultural interactions. ARMIA proudly supports people with disability (NDIS) and Seniors (In-Home Care) to live a normal life with their families.”
Protais extends an open invitation. “Let’s Start. Come As You Are.” He emphasizes, “We believe that you never see a need without doing something about it. We are a truly multicultural community organization, and the In-Home Care & NDIS provider is focused on helping all our clients, participants, and consumers make this their home and live a normal life with their families.”
He concludes, “At ARMIA, we are more than just a service provider; we are a community, a family, a support system. We believe in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are dedicated to creating a society where everyone feels valued and respected and has the opportunity to thrive. We are here to make a difference, one life at a time.”
Read Also: World’s Impactful Business Leader Making a Difference, 2025
