Darius Kokou Agbeko Dzadu was an asylum seeker and refugee in Hong Kong for many years, he is now married to his lovely wife and has residency and is finally able to work. He is an activist helping raise awareness of the plight of refugees in Hong Kong who struggle with equality and justice. He hopes to improve the living and working conditions of those living in marginalised communities, especially refugees and ethnic minorities, many of whom are his friends. Darius has done a TEDx talk and speaks at many conferences and events globally. Darius is from Togo and he did not speak Chinese or English when he arrived. He landed in China and then moved Hong Kong as an asylum seeker and applied for refugee status. He explains how the government support refugees in Hong Kong, but it is unfortunately not enough financial support for people to survive and they must rely on NGO’s to help them. Darius shares what it was like to feel like he had nothing to offer to people he met and how he was often sidelined when people discovered that he was a refugee. He volunteered his time to try and make his life more meaningful and make a difference, given that he was not able to work in Hong Kong. He helps lead Global Youth Connect, a group that brings together ethnic minorities and mainland youth, he plays football, music and joined a local theatre group. He wants to do what he can to help his friends who are struggling as refugees and he reminds us that taking the time to connect with people by providing friendship is one of the most meaningful gestures that anyone can do for a refuge or asylum seeker.

Darius’ email: dariusdario11@gmail.com

TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIP2rNFO1kM

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