By BRIDGET SCOTT
AS THE State Election draws closer, it’s not only the politicians who are hard at work.
A group of men and women, who are part of the Democracy Ambassador Program, are attempting to break down the barriers in African communities when it comes to voting.
Guil Deng is among this group and said he got involved after he became concerned about the lack of information for some when it came to elections.
The Democracy Ambassador program is a Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) initiative in partnership with Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV).
The program aims to break down some of the barriers to effective participation, such as low English language skills, lack of familiarity with the Australian voting and parliamentary systems, or negative experiences from their country of origin.
Mr Deng said while so many people were busy leading their own lives it was important to take notice of the barriers created by culture, language and others.
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 deliver sessions with the aim of increasing electoral enrolment, political literacy and civic participation among African Australians living in Victoria.
Mr Deng said he had worked across the south-east, including Cranbourne and at the Merinda Park Learning Centre.
“I enjoy going out and talking to people,” he said.
“There is a message for all communities, especially Africa, that it’s your right to and responsibility to vote.”
“Make sure you don’t miss out on having your say.”
He stressed the importance of voting and said anyone could take part in their free information session.
For more information, visit is vec.vic.gov.au or call 13 18 32.
