About us

Together for better.

By our community. For our community. We are Ubuntu.

About Ubuntu

Ubuntu Project is a grassroots organisation run by and for young African Australians.

Born in the public housing towers of inner-city Melbourne with a mission to engage the next generation of our diverse community, we exist to create connections, build pathways and boost potential.

Through social programs, government advocacy, practical resources and employment support, we work hand in hand with schools, non-profits and other partners to create positive outcomes for everyone. 

Our name is also our philosophy. 

As embraced by Nelson Mandela, it means “I am because we are”. With a shared spirit of kindness, compassion and respect, we work side by side to help each other however we can.

four men
four men
four men
four men

Where we began

Ubuntu was born when two friends, Nor Shanino and Ahmed Dini, were doing volunteer work with young people within the African Australian communities of Flemington and Kensington in inner Melbourne. Drawing on their networks, relationships and experiences, they saw a need to create opportunities to help young  African Australians connect and get ahead.

How we’ve grown

What began as a two-person operation has grown and continues to evolve with community needs. Whether through sports, employment support, building leadership skills or working with schools and advocating to government, Ubuntu draws on the power of people working together to make positive, lasting change. Everything we do is about building understanding, strengthening communities and shaping better outcomes.

Where we’re going

We continue to go where the need is greatest. Melbourne’s African Australian communities now span the city, and we’re there with them. We’re also building more partnerships with other community-led organisations, creating valuable connections between the corporate world and communities, and influencing positive change through policy. Wherever Ubuntu goes, we’re committed to ensuring policies, programs and services make a real difference for Victoria’s African Australian communities.

Every initiative, partnership, and resource is designed to create opportunities for people to connect, contribute, and grow.

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total participants engaged.

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people supported into employment.

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partner organisations engaged.

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workshops delivered.

Three children jumping in burlap sacks during a race.

Our vision

A better tomorrow begins together.

Through advocacy, consulting, training and partnerships, we aim to:

  • improve the policies, programs and services for African Australian communities to achieve improved outcomes

  • support community-led projects and organisations to upskill 

  • help African Australian communities achieve their goals through capacity building

four men
four men
group of women in red and white dress standing on brown wooden bar during daytime
group of women in red and white dress standing on brown wooden bar during daytime

Our mission

On your team.
In your corner.

Opportunity &
Equality for All

Our mission is to connect people. We value the power of connection among people in multicultural societies such as Australia. We’re here to motivate African Australian communities to engage, learn, grow and inspire others.

Our people

Meet the people of Ubuntu.

We come from many cultures, and we work in various communities. What we share is a belief that together we can create a better future for young African Australians.

man in black suit jacket holding white ceramic mug
Nor Shanino

Founder

man in black suit jacket holding white ceramic mug
Nor Shanino

Founder

woman on focus photography
Ahmed Dini

Co-Founder

woman in black blazer covering her face with her hand
Abubaker Okud

Fundraising Specialist

woman in black blazer covering her face with her hand
Abubaker Okud

Fundraising Specialist

three children at the beach during golden hour

A better tomorrow begins together.

three children at the beach during golden hour

A better tomorrow begins together.

three children at the beach during golden hour

A better tomorrow begins together.