African Association promoting social cohesion

UBUNTU is a Zulu word which means ‘I am, because we are.’

Dr Michael Akindeju, President of Ballarat African Association, said it takes a village to raise a child is another way of putting it.

The notion of ubuntu is the idea of community as one of the building blocks of society, a form of social connectedness.

“Myself and the association’s committee of management are passionate about ubuntu,” Dr Akindeju said.

The Ballarat African Association, founded in 2006 is a not for profit, non-religious and non-political organisation open to Africans living or working in Ballarat and surrounding areas.

Currently the membership numbers about 600 who have come from many of the 55 countries within the African continent.

“A lot of our members are highly educated and well placed in industry, government, the public and education sectors,” he said. “We want to highlight the endeavours and stories of our members.”

The association’s committee has developed a new strategy to support and uplift their members.

It is based around a program of events to be presented regularly, commencing this month and running through to July 2021.

Championing issues or challenges that are faced in the region by individuals or the association is just one part of the African Australians in Ballarat Series.

“We are privileged and honoured to be here, we love the opportunities we have,” Dr Akindeju said. “But we want to show the broader community that we as Africans have contributed to society so we want to showcase our social connectedness.”