Community leaders say there is demand for more social services for African Australian young peoplePresident of the Queensland African Communities Council says media reporting on "gangs" has been unhelpful
"[We are] just trying to make them find their own identity while in school so that when they do get out, they won't get lost and do things they are not sure about. Ms Moseray said when she talks to youths in detention centres and in schools, she hears that they feel lost and disconnected from their families and their wider communities."They feel like they need to be in their own group of people who are there for them and are supporting them, will not judge them, because their parents think they're bad, society thinks they're bad," she said.The youth centre has an open door policy.
Emulating an "African village" model, the centre is an environment where youths can build trust and relationships and then be referred to specialist service providers."Having a centre like this where young people can come and feel at home without being judged is so critical.
Benny Bol said since the youth centre opened, they have seen an increase in demand for support from other parts of Brisbane. "There's very much a difference. At home you have to get with traditions, our cultural customs and speaking our language, and then you go to school and things are different," Ms Dhuol said.Amok Dhuol said she became a youth mentor because she saw a need in the wider African Australian youth community.
Ironic Africa, land of Appartheid Appartheid = separation So solution? Introduce Appartheid here.