Anh Do and his family fled as refugees after the Vietnam War. This was the longest major conflict Australia has ever been involved in. During the Vietnam War chemical bombs were used and over 72 million litres of chemicals were sprayed over Vietnam. Also over 14 million tonnes of bombs were used. As a result of the war Anh and his family fled Vietnam on an illegally bought overcrowded boat with his relatives.
As a result of the war and deforestation many Vietnamese were as left homeless and without a job. 3.5 million people died overall in the war. Most of the people who fled Vietnam left after the war and 2 million Vietnamese people became refugees. 94 000 refugees came from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam but out of this only 2000 came to Australia by boat.
Anh and his family faced pirates, hunger, disease and dehydration while at sea. After 4 days they were picked up by a German ship and then taken to a Malaysian refugee camp. Here they spent almost 3 months until they arrived in Australia.
Anh Do shows great resilience despite tragedy and the hardship he faced in his life. For example his journey to Australia, being attacked by pirates, his parents splitting up and his fathers illness to name a few.
When Anh and his family arrived in Australia they had very little money but luckily St Paul’s charity shop donated enough clothes and toys for them to enjoy themselves. Later on when Anh went to school he couldn’t afford the books and uniform so he and his family created their own lookalike school uniform.
He is an inspiration by starting with nothing and then becoming a successful person. He also spreads awareness to younger generations about the Vietnam War and what it was like.