Mater Refugee and Multicultural Health Service has launched a powerful new children’s book, which captures how complex and confusing the migration journey can be for a child.
Co-created by staff and families at the service, Tariku draws on the experiences of children aged five to 15 representing more than a dozen countries.
It follows a seven-year-old boy named Tariku who is forced to leave his home along with his mother, brother, Adam, and baby sister, Zara. Tariku navigates stress, loss and loneliness, but in time, he finds safety, hope and belonging in the family’s new home.
Mater Refugee and Multicultural Health Service Director Donata Sackey said the book was inspired by much-loved paediatrician Dr David Levitt, who died in 2023.
“Dr Levitt helped many children like Tariku, Adam and Zara in his work across our refugee and multicultural health service, as well as at other childrens’ hospitals in Brisbane,” Ms Sackey said.
“He was an inspiration, a tireless advocate for the little voices in the migration story, and an incredible individual who dedicated his life to removing barriers and ensuring everyone – no matter how big or small – received quality, compassionate care.”
Mater Refugee and Multicultural Health Service – a national leader in delivering care for multicultural communities – celebrated the book’s launch as part of Refugee Week, alongside Dr Levitt’s family.
“We are extremely grateful to have had Dr Levitt’s blessing for the project, as well as his family’s support through the book’s development,” Ms Sackey said.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to honour Dr Levitt than by telling a story that will help children long into the future.” Tariku was illustrated by Ukrainian Kogu Kichmarenko, who has their own refugee experience.
“It has been a privilege to work with the author, Dr Andrea Baldwin, and the families and staff who co-designed this book, bringing their experiences, feelings and thoughts to life,” Kogu said.
“Although I am an adult, I can relate to Tariku’s feelings and I'm confident this book will help many children and families.” Uma Ahmed provided additional artwork to represent Tariku’s drawings.
“Art is very important for children, as they can’t always express their feelings in words,” said Uma.
“We hope this book will encourage children to communicate through drawings.”
The book was written by author and psychologist Dr Andrea Baldwin, who has worked on a number of stories to help children and families cope with stressful or disruptive events.
Tariku was funded through community donations made in Dr Levitt’s honour and is available at the Mater Refugee and Multicultural Health Service.
