My name is Gracia Ngoy, I am 20 years old. I come from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 7 years ago my family and I came to Australia - to Wollongong on the NSW South Coast after fleeing tribal and political conflict.

Now I am completing a double degree and I have just released my first book: 'A little recipe for success'.

My message to you in Refugee Week is that you have the power to restore hope in your own life and the lives of those around you. HAPPY REFUGEE WEEK!

You can read more about Gracia's journey and her humanitarian work here.

Gracia won The Young People’s Human Rights Medal 2011. Nominations for this year's Human Rights Awards are now open, click here for more information.