At its very best, life was uncertain for five-year-old Theogene Ngamiji as bombs rained down in the notorious Kibeho camp one day in 1995.

But a simple act of kindness by an Australian soldier that day gave the terrified youngster hope of a future and inspired him to become an Aussie soldier himself.

Resettled in Australia with his uncle and other family members in 2011, Private Ngamiji on Friday marched out from the Army Recruit Training Centre as one of the newest soldiers in the Australian Army.

He was given the honour of leading 23 and 24 platoons as they shouted out their soldier contract in front of hundreds of onlookers, including his uncle and cousins.

“This morning I was getting dressed and thinking ‘is this real or is it a dream?’ he told the assembled media after marching out.

“It is real, but I still can’t believe it.”

Private Ngamiji told his startling story in a written statement he submitted to the Army when he applied to join the Australian Defence Force.

VIDEO: PRIVATE THEOGENE NGAMIJI TELLS HIS STORY

Referring to the bombing, he said he was lucky to survive.

“Later that day a tall Australian soldier took a knee and offered me a piece of biscuit and the ANF patch from his uniform, which I still have to this day,”  Private Ngamiji wrote.

“I will never forget that kindness and I shall forever be grateful.”

Private Ngamiji said Australia gave him a home and he could not think of a better way to “pay back this great nation” than joining the Army.

“Now here I am, proudly an Australian soldier,” he wrote.

“I am doing this for all Australians, especially the soldier that helped me.

“I hope he hears this and knows that I am now stepping in his shoes to serve and do good.”

Private Ngamiji said leading the soldier’s contract was amazing and probably the best thing he had ever done.

Private Ngamiji’s uncle, Theogene Ngabo, said he was very proud of his nephew.

“This is not just his action, but it’s an action for Australia accepting us,” Mr Ngabo said.

“Australia is now our land.”

Private Ngamiji has never learnt the identify of the benevolent soldier, nor does he know the fate of his parents, but discovering those things some time in the future are part of life’s journey for the proud Aussie soldier as he embarks on his budding military career.

“The Army is more than family to me; I have been here (just) three months, but I am so much connected,” Private Ngamiji said before heading off to celebrate his now-bright future with his uncle and cousins.

VIDEO: PRIVATE NGAMIJI AND 24 PLATOON ON THE PARADE GROUND

VIDEO: PRIVATE NGAMIJI’S STORY IS READ ON THE PARADE GROUND