By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NARRE Warren North resident, originally from South Sudan, has been an active participant in the state’s Democracy Ambassador program ahead of the 29 November State Elections.
The program is an initiative led by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) in partnership with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), which aims to break down barriers, such as low English language skills, for those people in the community who otherwise may feel unable to participate effectively in the election.
As part of the program, a group of community educators from communities across the Horn of Africa – which includes Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia – Sudan and South Sudan are trained to deliver sessions in the hope of increasing electoral enrolment, political literacy and civic participation among African Australians living in Victoria.
Sudanese-born Veronica Bar, who lives in the multicultural City of Casey, said she had been involved with the program since its initial proposal in early 2013, and was then properly trained to deliver advice in August this year.
“I got involved because I am passionate about helping and empowering all people become active citizens,” she said.
“It is recognised that many new citizens, from various backgrounds, may be experiencing barriers to participating in elections and the democratic process in Australia.
“This could come from having low literacy and language skills, limited understanding of the democratic process in Australia and, in some instances, negative experiences related to voting from their past.
“I may be South Sudanese by blood, but Australia has now become my home.
“As many Africans make Victoria their home, it’s important to encourage all Victorians to vote and have a say in who represents them in the Victorian Parliament.”
Ms Bar said African Australians made an “important contribution to democracy in Victoria”, and encouraged them to make their voice heard in the forthcoming elections.
“The right to vote is essential to Australian democracy, and much of our work at the Victorian Electoral Commission involves encouraging Victorians to enrol and vote in Victorian elections,” she said.
“African Australians make an important contribution to democracy in Victoria. That is why it is important that they vote in November’s election to have their voice heard.”
Guil Deng, also South Sudanese, is another educator for the program in the state’s south-east. He said he definitely felt the initiative was having a positive impact on the community.
“We are working hard with the local communities to deliver more sessions so more people can benefit from the program,” he said.
For more information about the Democracy Ambassador program, or to book a session with a community educator, contact the VEC on 8620 1185.
