From Struggle to Service: Monga Mukasa on Empowering African-Australian Youth

In communities across Victoria, where challenges and opportunities often intersect, young leaders are stepping forward to shape a better future. One of them is Monga Mukasa, a social worker and community advocate whose work is transforming the lives of African-Australian youth.

In this conversation with Clyde Sharady, Monga shares the story behind his journey, the creation of Networking African Australians, and his vision for stronger, more connected communities.

Can you tell us about yourself and what you do?

I’m a social worker currently working with the Department of Education. Beyond my professional role, I’m the founder of Networking African Australians (NAA), a community organisation supporting African-Australian youth across Melbourne and regional Victoria, particularly in Shepparton.

Our work focuses on helping young people integrate into Australian society while maintaining their cultural identity. We provide mentorship, leadership development, and pathways to education and employment, while also supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing.

Monga Mukasa , youth leader and founder NAA

What inspired you to start this organisation?

The idea came during my final year at university in Canberra. At the time, there was intense public debate around African-Australian youth, especially negative media narratives about “African gangs.” . It was difficult to watch. I felt strongly that while governments and organisations can help, real solutions must also come from within the community.

During COVID-19, I began having conversations with other African-Australians about the challenges young people were facing. Those discussions led to the creation of Networking African Australians. Today, five years later, we’re still doing the work.

A youth mentoring session organised by Networking African-Australians Inc.

What are the main goals of your organisation?

First, we aim to build a strong and committed team—people who are passionate and genuinely care about making a difference. Second, we want young people to feel safe, valued, and heard. We create spaces where they can express themselves freely and be supported.

Third, we focus on connection—linking young people with African-Australian professionals who can mentor and guide them.And importantly, we also promote African culture, ensuring that young people stay connected to their roots while navigating life in Australia.

What achievements are you most proud of so far?

One of our biggest achievements is consistency. We’ve been running ongoing programs like homework clubs in Shepparton and youth wellbeing programs in Melbourne, particularly in Melton. We’re also proud of celebrating small wins—recognising young people for their efforts at school and in the community.

Another highlight is the involvement of parents. Seeing families step up—whether by supporting programs or even helping transport young people—has been powerful. It shows that community effort makes a real difference.

Homework club at NAA

How has your personal journey shaped your work?

I grew up in regional Victoria and benefited from strong community support. I had mentors, opportunities, and people who believed in me. That support helped shape who I am today. It’s the reason I feel a responsibility to give back. I understand the challenges many young African-Australians face because I’ve lived through them. That connection allows me to relate and work with them more effectively.

What challenges do young people face today?

One major challenge is the lack of guidance and access to opportunities. Many young people are talented, but without support or direction, it becomes difficult for them to reach their full potential. We also see issues around negative influences and peer pressure, both in regional areas and in Melbourne. Some young people drift into the wrong environments simply because they lack mentorship and structure.

The leadership team at Networking African Australians Inc.

How do your programs engage young people in a digital age?

Things have changed. Many young people today spend more time indoors, often on devices, and have fewer opportunities for real-world interaction.. We address this by listening to young people and designing programs based on their interests, having honest conversations about life, choices, and consequences, integrating technology into learning in positive ways, and reintroducing traditional African games and cultural activities. The goal is to create balance—keeping them engaged while also building social and life skills.

What message do you have for parents?

I encourage parents to be more involved in their children’s lives. Providing for them is important, but so is being present. Create space for conversations. Support their interests. Encourage them to participate in activities outside the home. These efforts are crucial for their mental health, confidence, and sense of belonging.

The Ubuntu Youth cultural activities

If you could change one thing, what would it be?

I would address youth crime, particularly violence involving knives. It’s a serious issue, and we’ve lost members of our community because of it. Preventing this requires collective effort—families, community organisations, and institutions working together to guide young people toward positive pathways.

Final thoughts

Monga Mukasa’s journey reflects a powerful truth: meaningful change often begins within the community.Through Networking African Australians, he is not only supporting young people but also reshaping narratives—moving from crisis to capability, from struggle to empowerment.

As communities across Australia continue to evolve, leaders like Monga remind us that the future depends on how we invest in the next generation—today.

Interview by Clyde Sharady. – See the full version of the interview below

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Full interview with Monga Mukasa

Interview with Monga Mukasa: Supporting African-Australian Youth Through Community Engagement

Clyde Sharady: Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a little about yourself so our viewers can get to know you?

Monga Mukasa: Absolutely. My name is Monga Mukasa. I’m a social worker with the Department of Education, and I’m also the founder of Networking African Australians, a community organization based in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Our focus is on supporting African-Australian young people, helping them integrate into the community, develop skills, and connect with professionals who can guide them in leadership, mental health, and career opportunities.

Clyde Sharady: Can you share the story behind Networking African Australians? What led you to create it?

Monga Mukasa: I started it in my final year at university while studying politics in Canberra. At the time, there was a lot of negative media attention on African-Australian youth, which made me feel we needed to step up ourselves. Discussions with fellow Africans during 2020 highlighted the challenges young African Australians face. That led to the creation of the organization, which is now in its fifth year supporting young people and the wider community.

Clyde Sharady: Was this something you had planned long before, or did it emerge from the moment?

Monga Mukasa: It wasn’t planned. It emerged from observing issues in the community and feeling the need to act. I saw young people losing their way or struggling, including some I knew personally. Combining my work in education and my personal experiences, it became clear that a culturally appropriate program was needed. It wasn’t about planning; it was about responding to a need.

Clyde Sharady: What are the main goals of Networking African Australians?

Monga Mukasa: First, to build a dedicated team that is passionate and committed. Second, to make young people feel safe, valued, and heard—a place where they can express themselves and be guided. Third, to connect them with African-Australian professionals across different industries to share experiences, stories, and mentorship. Finally, to pass on African culture while helping them thrive in Australia.

Clyde Sharady: What are some achievements that make you proud?

Monga Mukasa: We’re proud of the ongoing support we provide through programs like our homework clubs in Sheperton and the Ubuntu Youth Wellbeing Program in Melton. We celebrate the achievements of young people academically and within the community. Seeing parents support their children, even with transport and involvement, has been incredible. These small wins show the difference consistent community programs can make.

Clyde Sharady: How has your personal experience shaped your work?

Monga Mukasa: Growing up as an African-Australian in regional Victoria, I had mentors and opportunities that shaped me. Leadership programs and university experiences taught me the importance of guidance and community support. Now, I aim to give back to young people facing similar challenges. My experiences allow me to relate to their struggles and work collectively with other professionals to support them.

Clyde Sharady: You operate in both Sheperton and Melbourne. What differences do you notice between these communities?

Monga Mukasa: One key issue is guidance. Some young people need direction to make the right choices. In both metro and regional areas, there are challenges with youth engaging with the wrong crowd or missing opportunities due to lack of information. The goal is to provide mentorship, guidance, and opportunities to keep them on track.

Clyde Sharady: Many young people today are distracted by technology. How do your programs help engage them meaningfully?

Monga Mukasa: We start by talking with young people to understand their interests. We incorporate technology in learning programs, using laptops for literacy, numeracy, and online activities. We also bring back traditional African games, helping them connect to culture while learning teamwork and social skills. Providing a safe, inclusive environment encourages participation and growth.

Clyde Sharady: What lessons have you learned through your work, and if you had a magic wand, what would you change?

Monga Mukasa: A key lesson is the importance of parental involvement. African-Australian parents need to create space for conversations with their children, support their interests, and be actively engaged. If I had a magic wand, I would address youth crime, particularly knife crime, which has affected our community deeply. Prevention through engagement and mentorship is critical to keeping young people on a positive path.

Clyde Sharady: Any final thoughts for our viewers?

Monga Mukasa: I want to thank you for supporting our work and for highlighting African-Australian stories. To young people and families, I encourage engagement, mentorship, and support. Community programs can make a lasting impact if we work together to guide and nurture the next generation.

Clyde Sharady: That was Monga Mukasa, making a significant difference for African-Australian youth in Sheperton and Melbourne. Stay tuned to African Media Australia for more stories from our communities.