Right connections

“IF you get support, you feel everything’s possible.”
And Young African Connection (YAC) founder and CEO John James is feeling inspired after about 100 people attended a Victorian Multicultural Commission-funded African Australian dinner in Dandenong on 16 February.
Mr James thanked everyone who came and made the event possible – from those who helped to prepare the food and set up the venue, to Bruce MP Alan Griffin and Victoria Police representatives.
He said the event gave Mr Griffin the opportunity to meet African leaders and for them to speak for their communities.
“What their interests are and what they want,” he said.
“The African people need to see who their leader is. Most hadn’t met him in person.
“It’s about understanding each other and creating a relationship.”
He wanted the event to promote inclusiveness, leadership, connection and responsibility.
“The concept of giving back to the community is very, very important,” he said.
A Victoria Police sergeant from Dandenong and a community liaison officer passed on advice about the law and interacting with police officers.
African community representatives in turn gave advice on cultural differences like not making eye contact with elders, which can make young Africans appear to be hiding something.
The African Communities Foundation Australia president and representatives from Catholic Care, Deakin University, Turning Point drug and alcohol abuse centre, and more introduced themselves and what their organisation was delivering to the community.
“Most people got to learn where to get services and where to send people who need help,” Mr James said.
The other thing that excited him was support from the Mauritius community and Southern Health.
Members took on mentoring roles and brought Mr James their experience with organising events.
“I didn’t know where to start,” he said.
“They made the event happen. All the extra hands with all that knowledge meant a lot.
“If there’s support, everything’s possible.
“It inspires me.”
Mr James came to Australia seven years ago after growing up in Sudan and Uganda.
He founded YAC in 2010 to make it easier for young refugees to find support from other Africans who shared and understood their situation.
“YAC is committed to fostering leadership, positive social connection and encouraging young people to become responsible members of their communities,” he said.
The group is mainly run by students.
“We need to make sure people are engaging and doing something,” Mr James said.
YAC needs help to make future events a reality. Visit the Young African Connection Facebook page or email informyac.australia@gmail.com to get involved.