Creating a positive representation of young refugees is the first step forward in improving relations between people and different cultures, Roda Alfred says.
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The 18-year-old Launceston youth delegate spoke at an annual conference run by the Federation of Equitoria Community Association in Australia on Sunday.
However, a positive representation needed to be quickly followed by support from their own community and the Australian community, Ms Alfred said.
“It’s really important for the wider community to be able to embrace our culture in a way where the youth also get to present what they have to offer,” she said.
“It begins with the youth of either sides of the culture. If they are united, then it follows on more easily from there.”
The conference brought together delegates from South Sudanese communities living in Australia to address the challenges faced by migrants and refugees often traumatised by experiences in their home country and ways to move forward.
Cultural clashes was one of the main challenges moving forward for young people from a refugee or migrant background, Ms Alfred said.
“The challenge is how far do we stray from our indigenous culture to integrate into the Australian culture?”
In her own experience, openness and sharing ideas helped to move past clashes and create understanding, Ms Alfred said.
“I try to find a balance between maintaining that old culture and keeping up with Australian culture.”
She jumped at the opportunity to speak at the conference.
There weren’t many opportunities to speak about issues facing people of a migrant or refugee background, Ms Alfred said.
“I’m really inspired by the current wave of negativity around refugees and refugee youth, and I wanted to shed some light and make a positive impact on the wider community,” Ms Alfred said.
Events helped to create more awareness and understanding, but she said more could be done to improve communication between cultures, particularly by encouraging young people to take initiative to connect the cultures.