Challenging the narrative around African youth in Melbourne

Politicians and sections of the media in Australia, in recent days have driven the narrative on increasing numbers of violent groups of African youths which the politicians claim are preventing members of the wider community to go about their daily activities.

Baadhi ya vijana walio hudhuria tamasha ya ujamaa Source: Ayen

The claims led a group of young people in Melbourne to organise the Ujamaa Community Festival, where members of the African communities and wider Australian communities met, to dialogue, share experiences and to celebrate Victoria's diverse communities.

SBS Swahili spoke with one of the young people who attended the festival, she explained the significance of the festival and also shared some recommendations on changing the damaging narrative being pushed by said politicians and media groups.