About Eric

From gang member to youth mentor & motivator

A victim of racial bullying in primary school, Eric had first-hand experience of being bullied. Being the only African in his school, he experienced constant teasing, isolation and fear which led to him missing many days of school. The bullying led to anger and other emotions he didn’t know how to identify or navigate at the time. This would lead to 4 suspensions by Year 8.

From being a gang member in High School and labeled ‘at risk’, two decades later Eric was awarded the African Australian Community Impact award in 2014 for his work both locally and in Africa.

An author of 3 best-selling books, Eric is passionate about young people and their future. His resilience in overcoming mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, teen gangs positions him as a great example to young people, that no matter your background, mistakes and challenges, you can still get back up and make your life count!

“It easier to raise strong children than to repair broken men” – Frederick Douglass

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What to expect from Eric at your school:

“The quietest our 330 students have been in any presentation, you had them at the edge of their seats with your compelling story”

Narre Warren South P-12 College
“Your vulnerability meant a lot to our students, many of whom are going through the very things you went through, it was really relatable, thank you”

Melton Secondary College
“Your phrase 'failure is only an event but never a person' is something I've been trying to share with my students, I'm glad they were able to hear it from another voice!”

Waverley Christian College

“Every student must know they have a bright future ahead.”

“If I could turn my life around against all odds, so can they.”

– Eric Agyeman