Proud Australian Burundians
The REPORT:
Nurturing Soccer talents to promote social integration among Youth
SPONSORED BY VicHealth
The Nurture Soccer Talents project has received $34900 in funding from VicHealth, to promote social integration of East Africans.
This funding helped support young people who aspire to become professional soccer players with soccer drills and clinics weekly in different parts of Victoria. Three community events were held, and a community sport exhibition was co-sponsored by the Karen Community of Geelong, the Australian Burundian community in Victoria and the MC Herd. The event was hosted by Northern Bay College in Corio and it was a success.
The project is part of a VicHealth sponsored initiative to encourage inclusivity and diversity in sports, while promoting health and wellbeing.
The multiple events held aimed to bring together individuals from different backgrounds through the universal language of soccer and other sports, to break the barriers and fences between communities.
Through these activities, the project aimed at fostering a sense of community and belonging among East Africans in the region. Read full report here: Report_VicHealth_funding_final report.pdf
Our Country: Burundi
The short history of Burundi
Before Burundi became a country in the late 19th century, it was divided into smaller kingdom establishments. When colonisers arrived, the Kingdom of Burundi and the Kingdom of Rwanda were put together as one country. These kingdoms played a significant role in shaping today's Burundi history and culture.
In 1962, Burundi gained independence from Belgium, marking a new chapter in its history. However, the country faced challenges, including the genocide in 1972 that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. These killings were recently classified as state crimes by the Parliament of Burundi, but the president has yet to promulgate or ratify the decision.
There is a Burundian organisation based in America "The Collective of Survivors of 1972 genocide before and after". It is advocating for the transitional justice and official recognition of the Hutus", which is closely following the outcome of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which started around 2018. The Commission has since done excavation of mass graves to recover bodies and evidence of what transpired in those tragic years after the independence.
The Arusha Accord, signed in 2000, aimed to bring peace and stability to Burundi after years of conflict. This agreement laid the foundation for a new vision for the country, focusing on reconciliation and development.
Looking ahead, Burundi has set ambitious goals for 2040 to become a middle income country and 2060 to become a developed country, aiming to become a prosperous and peaceful nation. This new vision includes initiatives to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring a better future for all Burundians.
The International Women Day celebration in Geelong
CORIO 09/03/2024
On the 09/03/2024, on the occasion of the International Women's Day, we celebrated the theme of "Women as the Foundation of Development." Women play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and promoting gender balance in society.
The power of the mother in young people's health and well-being cannot be understated. Mothers are often the primary caregivers and nurturers, shaping the physical, emotional, and mental development of their children.
By recognizing and supporting the important role that women play in development, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Let us continue to empower and uplift women in all areas of life.
Together, we can work towards a world where women are valued, respected, and given the opportunities they deserve to thrive and contribute to the betterment of society.
On this occasion, a new committee of Women representatives within the Burundian Community of Voctoria was presented and given a new mandate to support families keep connected within and integrated into the wider Victorian Society.
The event was sponsored fully by the funding from VicHealth as part of the project "Nurturing Soccer Talents to promote Social Integration of Youth of the East Africa". This project saw the participation of more than 100 young people into soccer drills and clinics that were held in different parts of Greater Melbourne, Greater Geelong and Shepparton.
The Burundian Cultural Day celebration, October 2023
Warm, electrifying and multicultural day in St Albans
With the grant from Brimbank City Council and VicHealth, the Burundian Cultural Day celebration in Brimbank on the 22/10/2023, was a huge success.
The highlight of the event was a soccer match between Melbourne and Shepparton East African communities, showcasing the talent and sportsmanship of the players.
Attendees also enjoyed a variety of cultural foods, traditional attires, and performances that highlighted the rich heritage of the Burundian community.
Overall, the event was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions and share those with the wider community of Brimbank
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