Demographics There are 55 Countries in the continent of Africa More than 3,000 unique ethnic groups are recognized in Africa The most dominant religions are; - Christianity - Islam, - African traditional religions, with traditions of folk religion African traditional religions are transmitted orally or spiritually rather than scriptural like all the other religions ◦ Printed material may not have an impact ◦ Face to face meetings build positive relationships but making an appointment is a very alien concept

Africans in Australia Migrants born in Africa represent 1 % of all Australians. 2006Since then 248,699 migrants– 5.6% of all migrants in Australia 50,000 more AfricaPercentage Southern and Eastern 72% 41% South Africans- 100, % Zimbabwe 4% Mauritius 4% Kenyans 2.3% Ethiopians North (including Sudan) 22.9%Sudan Central and West4.5%

Cultural values (Africa in General) The value of the extended family – web of social network and support. Sense of community life The concept of Ubuntu which means, taking ownership of one’s community and knowing that one’s existence is meaningless without belonging to their community. An important emphasis is placed on relationships – strong relationships will often become blurred with kinship ties. The ‘self’ is not considered to be the most important but relationships with others which can be defined by generosity, love and a willingness to suffer in place of the other if the need arises.

Cultural values (Africa in General) Sense of respect for the elders Elders are respected, because of their experience, traditional values, knowledge, and wisdom that keep communities together. They are believed to be the teachers and directors for young people in society. Challenging an elderly person, even when they are wrong is a taboo in many African countries.

Family Dynamics The father is the authority figure The concept of extended family is universal in Africa-aunts, uncles, cousins, under the same roof. Children of 2 brothers would recognise the uncle over them as much as the father ( typically there is no word for ‘uncle’) The reputation of the family is important so if a person behaves badly, the entire family will lose respect in the community The tribal networks will be aware who comes from a ‘good’ or ‘bad ’family. The whole community is responsible to help the family Teenagers stay at home until 18 – 25 years or until they are married

Greeting people Greeting people whenever you see them is important in many African societies, especially people you know. Ignoring people or not acknowledging their presence is seen as extremely rude and frowned upon. This is especially strong in many Sudanese cultures (even in Australia).

Gender Issues Gender Issues Males (father, husband, brother) are generally protective of females (Wife, sister, daughter) no matter their religion. Therefore if you are a male dealing with a female or vice versa ask on gender preference... Are you comfortable working with me or do you want a female? Do you want another person in the room whilst we talk? If they have their head covered they are likely Muslim and yes they would prefer a female worker, although some women will wear a head covering despite the fact they may not be Muslim, the head scarf can be a cultural.

There are over 142 languages & over 245 people groups in Sudan The two dominant religions are Christianity (23.2%) and Islam (65%)* With several ethnic religions to further distinguish their values and perceptions Numbers are estimates because of the effects of war. The people of Sudan The people of Sudan 11

Refugees have lived in camps for many years such that their culture has incorporated a number of values different to theirs until they get here In Sudan traditionally men become adults after initiation (about 15) to care for the family, cows and farm. A girl becomes an adult woman at the onset of puberty and she is prepared to become a mother and to share and care for the extended family The people of Sudan 12

The Northern Sudan is predominantly Muslim thus speaks Arabic Southern Sudan is predominantly Christian and has several tribal languages. There are also a few African traditional religions followed by some people especially in the South Religious beliefs tend to regulate lives more than tradition or culture especially in Northern Sudan Sudan specific continued 13

The people of Sudan continued Many displaced Sudanese people have been resettled all over the world (Australia, USA, Canada and Europe) due to the 21 year North-South Civil war. An independent Republic of South Sudan separate from Sudan was formed in July Many displaced Sudanese people have also lived in refugee camps in Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad and other neighbouring countries often for many years. Some of the children born in the camps have never been to Sudan therefore cultural values are diverse based on experiences – diversity of experience.

Different peoples of Sudan examples 15 Dinka North west Dinka South Eastern Dinka West Dinka South Central Dinka Central Dinka North East Might not understand Children born in refugee camps may identify as being Sudanese although their place of birth might be Kenya Cultural practices vary from one tribe to another AnuakNuer Bari Tribal Groups include: Acholi, Azande, Bari, Dinka, Kuku, Madi, Muru, Nuba, Nuer, etc.

When working with Interpreters: 16  Confirm language and dialect of the client as much as possible  Is this language the one the client identifies with or is there a second language?  Are there any gender preferences  Ask if they need an on-site interpreter or telephone for anonymity? (In small communities, interpreters may be known to the family and compromise the interaction)

In a nutshell It is impossible to develop a manual on how to work with Africans but your resources are: ◦ The Person in front of you ◦ Ask if they have their family here to support them? ◦ Ask if they belong to a community here? ◦ What religion do they belong to and do they expect to be treated differently because of this religion e.g. Female preferring a female worker and vice versa? If you feel unclear with anything ask and give a background to the question e.g. I noticed your body language...

References Aliprandini, Michael, Our World: Sudan, 2010, detail? Report on the African Communities Consultation for Family Law and CaLD Communities project. %20Communities.pdf