FOR Fostin Nshimirimana it was kill or be killed to survive as a child soldier.

Mr Nshimirimana, who grew up in the African country of Burundi, was recruited by the armed opposition at the age of four.

He was separated from his mother and brothers to join the rebels alongside his father.

Children in Burundi were often recruited by the National Liberation Front as child combatants.

But his life changed forever when he was reunited with his family in Australia seven years ago.

The 20-year-old has come a long way since his harrowing childhood where he used hip-hop song and dance to escape from the fear that stifled­ him daily.

His passion for music led him to join the RAP3012 program in 2011 where newly arrived youths write, record and perform their own hip-hop songs.

The program is run by Good Shepherd and the Migrant Resource Centre North West as part of the State Government’s Engage! program.

Mr Nshimirimana, from Seddon, now often facilitates and mentors the group when the professional hip hop artist is away.

He said music had always been a great escape and form of self-expression.

Mr Nshimirimana is featured in the new book, Inspiring Stories by Young Victorians, which shares the personal stories of more than 60 youths who participated in State Government programs this year.

Details: youthcentral.vic.gov.au