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February 24, 2023
A new youth sports program co-designed by RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia and mental health non-profit Afri-Aus Care (ACC) and its Black Rhinos Basketball Program is improving physical and mental health for young African Australians and their families. The initiative intends to address mental health taboos within African and other “Culturally and Linguistically Diverse” (CALD) communities through early intervention, support programs and counseling for youth and their families.
A report from the African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP) states that “individuals with an African background residing in Australia face numerous challenges associated with the acculturation process in their resettlement journey, which may lead to increased risk of experiencing mental health issues.” Additionally, “stigma towards mental disorders is a major concern within African communities and can be attributed to cultural and religious beliefs, exacerbated to cultural and religious beliefs. Data also shows that teenage and young African migrants in Australia have a 10 times higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder than those born in Australia.
ACC’s volunteer case workers, social workers and psychologists provide culturally appropriate mental health assessment and support services to migrant youth from African and other diverse backgrounds and their families. The organization focuses on assisting those at risk of experiencing mental health issues, family and inter-generational conflict or are in the court system due to offenses arising from these circumstances.
Launched in 2017, its sport-based Black Rhinos program addresses crime prevention for male youth focusing on social inclusion and assisting those who are in the justice system. It includes basketball and soccer leagues which provide opportunities for positive social integration, legal advice and education. There is also a girls’ team, which has recently resumed operations since being halted by the pandemic. This new “Junior Rhinos” minor leauge program will support young people aged five to 15.
“Sport is a great way to help African youth build meaningful social connections and address mental health concerns, especially in a post-COVID environment. The benefit of this program is that it is evidence-backed. The researchers from RMIT worked tirelessly and incorporated community feedback in the co-design process which has been a massive success,” said ACC CEO Selba-Gondoza Luka. “The hope is that this program can lead to even more positive community and research partnerships.”
The Black Rhinos Basketball Program includes basketball training, counseling support services, legal support services and also distributed food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program delivery is underpinned by the UBUNTU philosophy, an African ideology that places emphasis on “being self through others”. This, paired with a Positive Change Model, are the foundation of ACC’s support to build better futures for people of African and CALD backgrounds.
“Co-designing a program like this, can have real impact on young people from African and other CALD backgrounds to express themselves through sports and have access to the services and pathways they need, promoting positive social change,” said program RMIT Chief Investigator and Associate Professor Ronnie Egan.
On February 18, Junior Rhinos launched in Dandenong Harmony Square in south-eastern Melbourne in partnership with RMIT and the City of Greater Dandenong, backed by Vic Health. The day included a basketball tournament and performances from local African artists.
Source: RMIT
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