Here, he describes his journey from The Democratic Republic of Congo to his new home in Motherwell.

I would like to let you know about my journey to Scotland and why my heart is full of joy.

A journey from Congo to Motherwell

First of all, I would like to thank all refugee agencies in the world without whose support we would not be here today.

Many thanks also to BBC Scotland for giving me this opportunity to express myself.

I want to tell you that war, atrocities and troubles made me flee my country, The Democratic Republic of Congo, into a refugee camp in Zambia.

It was while living in the camp that the UN Refugee Agency informed the UK Gateway Programme about my problems.

Through the programme I was granted entry and settlement in Scotland.

We have a new life here in Scotland and there are no troubles.

Once again, many thanks to UK Gateway Programme, the UK Government and all the Scottish people. We could not be here today without your support.

This is what I have to say to my fellow refugees anywhere in the world - refugee life is not an ordinary life. It requires you to be patient in many things especially for those of you in the refugee camps and many others elsewhere still with many problems.

'Difficult period'

I pray for my country and her leaders that they might first and foremost work together in unity to promote peace and security.

It would be a great thing if the international aid agencies and also Scotland would endeavour to help our country as it has just emerged from war. There are a lot of things that the country needs sorted out and rectified.

We have got a new and good life here compared with where we came from.

The Luvunzu family with Home Office Minister Joan Ryan

However, we are going through a difficult period for the reason that many things are new for us.

For example, we are still learning the language and trying to become familiar with the geography of where we live. It is like we are going through a period of transition.

In all these, I have a great hope for a better life here in Scotland primarily because I have a house to live in; I have a school for my children; I have proper health care and access to good transport services.

There are provisions for adult learning and we have no more struggles for food and clothing.