A new community project in Munich’s Au-Haidhausen district aims to strengthen the confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging among young people of African descent.
The initiative, led by resilience trainer Iriet Yusuf and coach Essenam Enaku, focuses on helping teens recognize their self-worth, build community, and navigate experiences of discrimination in everyday life.
The course, titled “Power for the Afro Youth,” is open to all African and Afro-diaspora teenagers and takes place on Thursdays — 23 October, 13 November, and 11 December — at the Jugendtreff Au on Am Kegelhof 8. Participation is free of charge.
Creating safe spaces for conversation and strength
“Many children and teenagers have no one to talk to about issues related to racism,” says Iriet Yusuf, who has both Ethiopian and German roots. With her work, she hopes to create safe, empowering spaces where young people can share experiences and develop coping strategies.
Her colleague Essenam Enaku emphasizes the value of community building: “We want the participants to connect — even in small groups of two or three — so that a bond forms between them,” she explains.
These smaller, personal exchanges make it easier to discuss painful experiences related to discrimination or colonial stereotypes.
Yusuf adds that even parents often struggle to help: “Their experiences are completely different — sometimes shaped by another country, another generation, or another kind of racism.”
Supported by the local district council
The project receives financial backing of nearly €5,000 from the District Committee Au-Haidhausen (BA Au-Haidhausen). The funding was approved quickly and without red tape — something the organizers are grateful for.
“There are very few low-threshold offers on this topic in Munich,” says Enaku. “That’s why it’s so important that young people can simply come by without barriers.”
Nicole Syr, director of the Kegelhof youth center, supports the initiative and has worked with Yusuf before in local schools. “We have visitors here who could really benefit from this course,” she says. The team hopes to extend the program in the future.
Building self-worth through dialogue
The workshops combine group discussion, creative exercises, and resilience training.
The aim is to help participants express their identity positively, process difficult experiences, and build long-term self-confidence.
“Resilience means learning not to let discrimination define you — but to stand strong despite it,” says Yusuf.
The sessions are part of a growing number of grassroots anti-discrimination efforts in Munich, addressing both psychological well-being and social inclusion among young people of African descent.
Participation and contact
Anyone interested can sign up via email at iriet@iriet.de, ritual@mewotribe.com, or call (089) 48 43 51 at the Jugendtreff Au.
The three scheduled sessions are free, and the team is already exploring possibilities for a longer-term continuation.
For many participants, it’s not just a course — it’s a safe space to grow, connect, and reclaim confidence in a world where discrimination still too often silences young voices.
