Afraa Kori
This story was originally published in October 8, 2024 and Star Weekly has chosen to share it again for readers to enjoy.
Australia’s first African library, arts and history museum, Baai Alkebulan House, is at risk of closure after being launched in Footscray last year.
The sanctuary was founded by Tarneit’s Magang Reech assisted by the collective effort of Melton’s Titan Debirioun, Derrimut’s Guled Ilyas, Tarneit’s Ephraim Kassu, Agum Reech, Toto Reech and Matur Reech and Bishop Laryea from Sydney’s AYI Centres, all of whom have been instrumental in shaping the library’s vision.
The library’s supporters all came from a war-torn country and were raised in Australia and see Baai Alkebulan House as their way of giving back to the community.
The word ’Baai’ means ’house’ or ’home’ and ’Alkebu-lan’ is one of the ancient name for Africa, meaning ’Mother of Mankind’ or ’Garden of Eden’.
“What makes Baai Alkebulan unique is its holistic approach to preserving and promoting African and First Nations histories, while actively fostering intergenerational connections. We are more than just a museum or library — we are a dynamic space where African music, family development, and cultural heritage are at the forefront,“ Magang explained.
“Moreover, Baai Alkebulan serves as a bridge between the African diaspora and First Nations peoples, highlighting their shared experiences of colonisation, resistance, and resilience. Through art, literature, music, and programs, we don’t just preserve history — we make it a living, breathing experience that connects past, present, and future generations in meaningful ways.”
Baai Alkebulan offers a range of art exhibitions, educational workshops, oral history projects, programs, cultural performance, legal training and excursions.
Magang is concerned there is a lack of sustained support and is calling on parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers to step up and champion their cause.
“Without immediate financial support, we risk closure, which would be a tremendous loss to the community and the heritage we seek to preserve,“ he said.
“Baai Alkebulan is a vital cultural hub that nurtures identity, education, and unity. We need the community’s help to continue preserving African and First Nations histories and to provide a space for future generations to learn and grow.
“We realised Baai Alkebulan was at risk when we encountered significant delays in receiving critical funding. However, we remain committed to seeking new partnerships and opportunities to secure the support needed to keep Baai Alkebulan thriving.”
Hoppers Crossing teacher Asmait Reta has done important work in the six months since Baai Alkebulan’s opening and has seen a shift in young people, many of them at risk.
“The worst thing is when you don’t know where you come from or who you are. But when you know who you are, you’ll be proud of where you come from and that’s why I teach the kids about our culture. I also teach them how to live in harmony with other people and how to respect their family. When you tell kids a story, most of them ask questions which means they are interested and happy to learn something new. In the beginning, there weren’t too many kids coming, but at the moment, we had a lot of kids,” she said.
“I have met some parents at the library and they have thanked me for preparing their children for the future. For adults, we discuss what is going on in our life, share ideas and learn from each other because we want to be good citizens and parents.”
Director of Pam Disability Service and Truganina resident, Puonyuom Mathiang said migrant families have found healing and hope for a brighter future through Magang’s work.
“Magang is one of the most hardworking people I have met in my life. He has put his heart and soul into this. Not for his own benefit but for the benefit of the wider community. From babies, adolescents, young adults, parents and the older community, having a space like this gives us parents comfort and a break knowing our children are connecting, learning and enjoying themselves in a safe environment and off the streets,“ Puonyuom said.
“As a parent from my background, there is a disconnect between wanting and how to raise my child ’Australian’ and ’Sudanese’. I find it hard to find a community. Baai Alkebulan provides that experience. You can connect with other cultures, other people, parents and children alike have the opportunity to get together. Meeting other young mothers and understanding that we are all in this together is important.”
The closure of Baai Alkebulan House would disproportionately affect parents like Puonyuom.
“There is no other Library that provides culture specific learning that I am aware of or have access to. I would miss having the chance for my son to meet other young African kids, and myself other young African mothers,” she said.
“Young children and young adults would be at home or on the streets not doing anything productive in their lives. The culture would be lost. I have seen some of the young boys that would normally be stereotyped as ’thugs’ in that library reading and helping Magang set up. It provides volunteering opportunities to keep everyone busy. Like I said, it is a community that would be lost.”
To help save Baai Alkebulan House www.gofundme.com/f/baai-alkebulan-urgent-fundraiser
