How to be stubborn

It would have been easy for Esther Onek to lose hope. At three years of age, she fell into a fire pit, which burned off her fingers on both hands. Her family fled war-torn Sudan to a Kenyan refugee camp, where they remained for seven years.  

Arriving in Australia with no English, she experienced humiliation and isolation at school. Then one day, the words on a sign inspired Esther not to be discouraged.  

Motivated to succeed, she stayed stubbornly hopeful in the face of adversity. Esther’s inspiring story of transformation, growth and leadership shows what is possible when resolve finds courage.   

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx 

About the speaker 

Esther Onek was born in present-day South Sudan, part of the Acholi tribe.  

Arriving in Australia at the age of 10, and knowing no English, Esther ultimately obtained a Bachelor of Social Work.  

After graduating, she joined the African Leadership Initiative, a program that helps young African Australians develop public speaking and project management skills. 

Fulfilling her life-long passion to support people who experience marginalisation, Esther now works as a domestic violence advocate for multicultural women.