By Danielle Kutchel
Dandenong-based Afri-Aus Care continues to go from strength to strength, with its youth support programs for young African-Australians gathering momentum.
Among the programs offered are social sports as part of the Black Rhinos basketball teams.
Founder Selba Luka said the organisation would have a strong presence at the 2020 Cardinia Shire South Sudanese Community Day at Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham on Saturday 1 February.
Visitors are welcome to sign up on the day to join the Black Rhinos for friendly social games of basketball.
Staff from Afri-Aus Care will also be handing out flyers and letting people know about their programs, including mental health, drug and alcohol, legal and youth support.
Afri-Aus Care works closely with the justice system, taking referrals of youth who may benefit from the program, and also receives enquiries from young people who are reaching out for help of their own accord.
Many are suffering trauma, having lived with domestic violence, mental health issues, intergenerational conflict, or a lack of employment.
Ms Luka founded the organisation following her own traumatic experience as a domestic abuse survivor, and is pleased with its success so far.
“Nobody has gone to prison under our care because we do rehabilitation, and we do it in a culturally appropriate way,” she said.
“Unless people are given a second chance, you never know when they will change.”
Find out more about the South Sudanese Community Day at https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/news/article/483/all_welcome_to_attend_cardinia_shire_south_sudanese_community_day
