The new African-Australian Youth Collective at Western aims to connect those who love and live African culture.
When Adjoa Assan was in her first year at WSU and studying a Bachelor of International Studies/Laws, she was offered the opportunity to travel to South Africa as part of a university program. Adjoa jumped at the chance and took part in a two-week-long exploration of life in South Africa and its history.
The experience included being a student at South Africa’s Stellenbosch University. Adjoa fondly recalls a high level of political and cultural engagement among the university’s students. Daily conversations about democracy, empowerment and cultural identity were part and parcel of student life, she notes. She saw students openly and passionately share their political views, and inspiring others to stand up for themselves and their rights.
A couple of years down the track, and now a third-year student, the experience has left a lasting impression and inspired her to establish an African-Australian Youth Collective at WSU.
Adjoa explains that the club seeks to provide a “positive, social and intellectual base for young emergent African-Australians.” It aims to “connect people through shared experiences” and help the students enjoy their time at Western.
Adjoa says that while the emphasis is on young African-Australians, the club welcomes anyone who takes a genuine interest in Africa, regardless of where you are from. Africa’s rich culture, political affairs, and environmental issues will undoubtedly provide much fodder for lively debates and activism at Western.
On a final note, Adjoa adds that the club also aims to celebrate and showcase the best of Africa, leaving much room for exploring its more unique aspects.
Adjoa and the collective’s executive team welcome “the student who thinks and dreams big, the intrigued but reserved student, and everyone in between.”
African-Caribbean Society
Another great club to join if you are interested in African matters is the African-Caribbean Society.
Founded by Anne Okwuofu and having a different focus on the youth collective, the society aims to bring together like-minded African and Caribbean students for the purpose of improving their social and cultural experience. It will be offering plenty of fun activities, including a “welcome back to uni” barbecue.
How to join: Please visit Western Sydney University’s Orgsync website, and search for either the African-Caribbean Society or the African-Australian Youth Collective to join.
