For many of the young people who participated in the Kokoda trek alongside police officers, the challenge was not only physical, but also about overcoming a deep-seated fear or mistrust of authority, but for Michael Yai Garang, it was a much different story.

“I was born in Sudan and ever since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to work for Victoria Police,” Garang told North Media.

“I guess it probably started when I was little and watched police movies, and they were always helping people. And I just knew that I wanted to do that.

“But now that I’m older, it’s still for those reasons, and I want to be able to help people, but especially the African community in Victoria.”

Born in Sudan, Garang spent most of his childhood in Darfur and Egypt before moving to Australia when he was 12 years-old. 

In 2015 when Garang was 20, he became an Australian citizen. 

“I have always had a good relationship with Victoria Police,” he explained.

“They’ve always treated me like any other Australian, but I know that not all Africans have that experience. But at the end of the day the police are just trying to help and save people.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, police will help you. That is the part that has given me courage to get to know the police and why I really want to join them in delivering a stronger justice system".

“I think that if I could have the opportunity to work with them somehow, I could help my community, and help them feel more a part of Victorian society, because it’s important for all communities to get involved with each other. And the police are a good way to interact with society.”

Garang has been working towards this dream for some time now and it's well within reach.

“I’m currently studying for my Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Victoria University, and have one year left. I’ve also done a ten-week internship with the Footscray Police Station,” he said.

Actively working towards joining the organisation, Garang has also led soccer classes for disadvantaged youth with the Centre of Multicultural Youth (CMY).

So, when the Huddle presented him with the opportunity to join Victoria Police’s Kokoda trek and work on bridging the gap between young people and officers, he jumped at the opportunity. 

“It sounded great,” he said.

“Besides making bonds with the police, there were a bunch of boys from St. Barnards, then there was the eight of us from The Huddle, and some corporate partners … it was an interesting mix of people.”

Training for three months alongside thirty-five other participants, and then spending seven days trekking the 96km Kokoda Track, Garang says the commitment was significant but rewarding.

“We ended up spending a lot of time together, and really getting to know one another," he said. 

"Especially once we were in Kokoda, we would spend all day walking and sharing our stories with each other. We really learned from and about each other.”

Though it was his first time in Papua New Guinea, Garang was struck by how familiar it was.

“I couldn’t help but compare it to Sudan,” he said. 

“It looked incredibly similar. Firstly, the way they live is the same as us (in Sudan). The huts are similar, and they all live and work in the same community. Communal living was a strong commonality I found.”

After days of sleeping on the ground, hiking uphill, and carrying everything you need on your back, the conclusion of the trip was an emotional experience.

“I think when we finished the trek it was the best feeling ever,” Garang said. 

“Everyone was really emotional and I saw a couple of my friends crying and when I was looking at them it made me emotional but I didn’t want to cry.

“It was just an amazing feeling to finish something so big and finish it all together. It made me feel incredibly proud and accomplished.”