African Forums Project
In recent years, South Australia has become home to a significant number of African migrants and refugees.
It is estimated that there are, currently, over 6000 people from African countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Senegal, Eritrea, Sudan, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe living in the State of South Australia.
The growing number of new arrivals reflects the global refugee situation and the Australian Government’s focus on humanitarian migration. Since nearly 50% of African refugees settling in South Australia are children, education and care are seen as the key factors in the resettlement process.
Consequently, the African Forums Project has been launched by the Multicultural Education Committee (MEC), an advisory body to the Minister for Education and Children’s Services in South Australia.
The principal aim of the project is to generate knowledge base for rational assessment of the education and training needs in the new and emerging African communities.
In fact, the MEC has already undertaken extensive consultation with a number of African community leaders. And this has, in turn, led to a series of informative and interactive forums that engaged educators, students, parents, and representatives of government and non-governmental organizations.
Meanwhile, there are clear indications that the MEC will continue the work of supporting African students and their families across all educational sectors in South Australia.
posted by African Refugees @ 1:49 PM
2 Comments:
We African travel far to other lands. and contribute immensely to their local economies.
what is the black experience like in Australia given the issues of race relations between Aborigines and the descendants of the White migrants.
Hi Obi
African presence in Australia dates back to the 18th century. In fact, historical evidence shows quite clearly that Africans have been part of the Australian cultural landscape since the First Fleet, in 1788; defending the colonial outpost and making a significant contribution to the development of Australian nationalism.
The new generation of African migrants face a different reality, as they do the daily battle for survival.
However, racism is a fundamental issue. But there is a flicker of hope in the horizon – a light at the end of a very long tunnel, so to speak.
(For an interesting analysis of the subject, please refer to Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo’s book, The Africans in Australia: Expectations and Shattered Dreams, (Seawview Press.)
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