By Benjamin Millar
AFL star Majak Daw has praised the unifying power of sport at an African Summit at Maribyrnong College involving about 150 African-Australian students from across Melbourne’s west.
The North Melbourne defender spoke last Wednesday about his journey in 2003 from Sudan to Australia via a refugee camp in Egypt on a refugee visa, recounting challenges including learning English and fighting racism.
“When I was growing up and went to school I didn’t fit in, people didn’t accept me for my skin colour,” he told the students.
“I experienced racism and resorted to violence.”
Daw said he discovered in sport a way to connect with other people without feeling like he was constantly being judged by his skin.
“When I was playing footy or at training I didn’t really feel different to anyone, sport has that ability to bring people together.”
Daw was joined at the summit by other guest speakers including WAFL star Libby Birch and young African-Australian professionals and writers, who spoke of their experiences growing up and finding a voice in often challenging circumstances.
Former students Mohamed Semra and Abdulahi Haji Ali, MCs for the event, recounted the positive impact the introduction of African-Australian teacher’s aides had made to their life at the school.
“We share the same background and speak the same language and we were able to speak with them about things we weren’t comfortable to speak to the other teachers about,” Mr Semra said.
Newmarket Phoenix Football Club president Abdi Ali spoke about almost being expelled from school in Year 12 for fighting as a turning point in his life.
Mr Ali served a four-week suspension before going on to become the dux of his school and study biomedical science at university.
“I was lucky to be given a second chance,” he said.
“I chose to fully commit myself to make sure I don’t ever repeat such a mistake.”
Mr Ali said he helped start the Newmarket Phoenix Football Club after realising the best way to avoid trouble was to get involved in positive activities and surround yourself with supportive friends who respect your boundaries.
He encouraged the students to “know yourself and what’s important to you” and to learn from the mistakes of others.
The talks were followed by a Q&A panel with inspirational African-Australians from a range of backgrounds and fields.
Students also enjoyed soccer with Melbourne Victory players, basketball, African cooking and African drumming.
