Parents are sending troubled teens back to AFRICA to teach them discipline at ‘harsher’ schools and to stop them joining Melbourne gangs
- South Sudanese community leader says parents are sending their kids to Africa
- Families hope children will learn discipline and respect in harsher schools
- They fear their children could end up in crime gangs if they don’t act
Parents are sending their children to Africa so they are not swept up by gang violence in Melbourne, according to a community leader.
South Sudanese Community Association Victoria chairwoman Achol Marial told the Herald Sun that ‘powerless’ parents felt they had no choice but to send their kids overseas.
She said families from South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya were among those flying their children to Africa to learn discipline and respect.
South Sudanese Community Association Victoria chairwoman Achol Marial said ‘powerless’ parents felt they had no choice but to send their kids overseas
‘They’re resorting to taking their kids to boarding school. And to be cared for by their grandparents overseas,’ she said.
‘It’s seen as a retreat. It’s like a time-out.’
Ms Marial said she was aware of six families who had made the tough decision, including a girl who was going to parties with the wrong crowd.
She said at least two families had seen their children return and go on to get jobs or study at university.
Ms Marial said some families decided to send their children to Africa because of growing gang problems in Melbourne back in 2010.
Fearing their kids could be caught up in the violence, they decided act.
‘Things are stricter back home. There’s no drinking or substance abuse,’ the community leader explained.
‘The schools are quite harsh. The kids have to perform well.’