A Visionary Leader’s Impactful Journey: An Interview with Protais Muhirwa, the Founder and Foundation Director of ARMIA House

A Visionary Leader’s Impactful Journey: An Interview with Protais Muhirwa, the Founder and Foundation Director of ARMIA House

In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Protais Muhirwa, the Founder and Foundation Director of ARMIA Healing the Incurables, embarked on his path to success in the field of community empowerment and refugee support. Join us as Protais shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets ARMIA Healing the Incurables apart from other organizations, how Protais navigated the unique challenges facing marginalized communities, and his vision for a more inclusive future. Get ready to be inspired by Protais’s journey as a transformational leader and his relentless pursuit of sustainable integration and empowerment for all.

On January 26, 2015, in Sunnybank, Queensland, Protais Muhirwa founded ARMIA (Active Refugee & Migrant Integration in Australia)—now ARMIA Healing the Incurables. His vision was inspired by the life-changing work he led in South Africa, where thousands of refugees rebuilt their lives. Guided by St Mary MacKillop’s words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” Protais set out to help not just refugees and migrants survive in Australia, but truly thrive.

A Different Kind of Leadership

At ARMIA House, Protais leads with a compassionate and inclusive “horizontal” style. With over 70 skilled multicultural professionals and a strong volunteer base, ARMIA has become a Multicultural Family Support Hub, bridging the gap between government programs and real integration.

Beyond Refugees

Since 2018, ARMIA has expanded to support mainstream disadvantaged Australians, Indigenous peoples, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Initiatives like L’Oasis Café tackle unemployment and social isolation while fostering multicultural connection and reducing racism.

Employment and Empowerment

ARMIA’s biggest impact lies in its employment programs. From culturally tailored training to mentorship and ongoing support, ARMIA helps people move from dependency to economic independence. Alongside this, drop-in services cover mental health, education, housing, and family needs—all under one roof.

Building a Sustainable Future

Despite limited funding, Protais has built ARMIA on social enterprise and community trust, aiming to make it a 24/7 global hub of healing and empowerment. Each week, ARMIA supports over 100 people, proving that inclusion is an ongoing process—not a five-year settlement plan.

A Beacon of Hope

What sets ARMIA apart is its holistic and culturally sensitive model. By combining expertise, partnerships, and dignity in service, ARMIA has become a sanctuary where no one is left behind.

Through vision, empathy, and resilience, Protais Muhirwa has created more than an organization—he has built a movement of healing, empowerment, and true integration.

To learn more about ARMIA and how you can support or collaborate, visit armia.com.au.
Read the full feature in Magnateview: The 5 Most Impactful Leaders to Watch in 2025