Protais Muhirwa: Shaping a Brighter Future for Refugees and Migrants in Australia Thousands of refugees and migrants in Australia

Protais Muhirwa: Shaping a Brighter Future for Refugees and Migrants in Australia Thousands of refugees and migrants in Australia

Building Bridges, Not Barriers: Protais Muhirwa’s Vision for Lasting Integration

In Australia, thousands of skilled refugees and migrants face the harsh reality of long-term unemployment, social isolation, and mental health challenges—even after years of settlement. For many, language barriers and lack of support mean their potential remains untapped.

That’s where ARMIA comes in.

Founded by Protais Muhirwa in 2015, ARMIA (Active Refugee & Migrant Integration in Australia) offers more than just support—it delivers a path forward. With a strong belief in empowering individuals to become self-reliant, ARMIA combines employment training, mental health services, academic support, and business mentoring to help people break cycles of welfare dependency.

Protais’s leadership draws from more than two decades of experience in community development and cultural inclusion. His mission is clear: to make sure every person—regardless of background—has the tools to thrive in Australia. Under his guidance, ARMIA has expanded its impact to include Indigenous Australians and disadvantaged locals, providing services through a growing team of professionals and volunteers.

From NDIS and aged care to legal aid, trauma counselling, and entrepreneurship programs, ARMIA is changing lives—one step, one skill, one connection at a time.

As Protais often says, “Don’t give a man a fish; teach him to fish—and walk with him until he catches one.”

To learn more about ARMIA and how you can support or collaborate, visit armia.com.au.
Read the full feature in The Enterprise World: Protais Muhirwa – Building Bridges for Refugees and Migrants