| Description: |
The Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria (AOCAV) is a unique community organisation established in 1984 by the first Oromo pioneers who migrated to Australia as refugees under the resettlement program with many other refugees from the Horn of Africa. The majority of Australia?s Oromo community fled Ethiopia following the military dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam?s ?red terror? campaign in 1978, and after the 1991 change of government. Oromo people have settled peacefully in Australia since the beginning of 1980s. Approximately 5,000 Australian Oromo population are living in Victoria. AOCAV is a non for profit, volunteer-run organization whose vision encompasses an inclusive and vibrant community committed to facilitating development and growth, whilst maintaining the rich cultural heritage of the Oromo people. Our association is committed to facilitating community development and growth, whilst maintaining the rich cultural heritage of the Oromo people. Performance of traditional rituals and rites of passage are commemorated in the celebration of births, wedding and deaths through engaging in spoken word, song and dance. Australian Oromo people prefer to be referred to as Australia-Oromo, rather than Australia-Ethiopian. Speaking the Oromo language, ?Afaan Oromoo? has served to retain a powerful sense of identity among the Oromo and defy the long standing ban, upheld for almost half a century particularly against the Oromo people and language. |
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