Date: 5th February 2007
The term ‘Lost Boys’ was coined up by humanitarian organizations to refer to the thousands of the formerly unaccompanied minors, mainly boys from Southern Sudan who under very difficult and harrowing circumstances, had traveled to refugee camps in Ethiopia and subsequently to Kenya’s Kakuma refugees camp. The flight of the now young men came into the World’s attention in the late 1990s to early 2000s, prompting the federal government of the United States of America to resettle the bulk of them in U.S.A.
Members of the lost boys in Australia’s Melbourne, Victoria, held a weekend event in which the Sudanese community and members of the wider society (Australians) came together and enjoyed some Barbeque. Gurtong understands however, that it was more than a barbeque, the lost boys in particular and their supporters in general were on offensive to overcome some cross-cultural barriers, and create a common ground where the people of different cultural, religious or ethnic backgrounds could dialogue, interactively share ideas and experiences and of course socialize in many ways. This was a positive step in the right direction, given that there are emerging signs of social discomfort toward Sudanese among some circles, because of some perceived issues of societal concern. Nevertheless, the Australian society in general is very welcoming one and do embrace and support initiatives of community progress; hence the lost boys in Victoria, it seem, are stepping in to make the best out of it.
The writer understood that many people turned up for the event and there was a cordial atmosphere all over the place. According to the leader of the Lost Boys, Mr. Akoc Manhiem, the event was a success because apart from the general friendly interactions and sharing, there was also some fun and story telling. The lost boys and of course general members of the Sudanese community, revisited their painful past through story telling. At the end of it all, there was some paper work! Forms designed differently were distributed to be filled. The Sudanese were asked to fill in issues they think were of concern to their community; while the Australians filled out on how they can help addressed any issues of concern. With all done, the Aussies in their diversity went home for rest. Many events and activities are certainly on the way!!
Deng M. Koch for Gurtong Project in Australia