But now the future of the St. Philip’s Christian College student is looking brighter than ever after being granted permanent residency in Australia.

Safari won the hearts of the nation when he arrived in Australia from Kenya as a six-year-old having sustained horrific burns to his face and body. 

Now 15 years and a total of 18 operations later, Safari can finally, officially call Australia home and he said it is a big weight off his shoulders. 

“I got the call when I was at school and it was just the best news ever,” he said.

“I called my mum and dad (Australian carers Alan Morrison and Sue Spence) straight away to tell them and we were in Sydney the next day.

“I couldn’t believe it.

“It is definitely a dream come true.”

When Safari first arrived in Australia he was severely malnourished and unable to eat or smile because of the damage to his face suffered in a burns accident when he was two. 

Medical staff at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital volunteered to take on Safari’s case and his journey was aired on Channel Nine’s reality television program RPA.

In 2011 Safari was offered a four-year scholarship with St. Philip’s Christian College and just last month the school helped him celebrate his 21st birthday. 

“It is like a big family here for me,” he said. 

“Everyone has been so supportive of me.”

Among his friends at St. Philip’s, school captain Matt Brazier said that Safari’s journey has inspired him to pursue plastic surgery after seeing his miraculous recovery over the years.

“We met at a school swimming carnival and just hit it off straight away,” he said.

“I always knew I wanted to do something medical, but seeing how the surgeons were able to help Safari has been really inspirational.

“I don’t think anything will ever faze him after this.

“He has overcome so much.” 

Safari will sit his HSCexams in October and said that he hopes to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic.

“Ever since I first saw a truck when I was five, I wanted to know how it worked and what it was driven by,” he said. 

“This has always been my passion and it would also allow me to help support my family back in Kenya.”

Safari and his carers Alan and Sue are thankful to the school and the wider community for embracing Safari and allowing him to become the vibrant teenager that he has become.