- New youth program in Toowoomba set to provide more support and opportunities for young people from culturally diverse and refugee backgrounds
- The Empowering Youth to Empower Communities project received almost $120,000 in funding through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program
Young people from culturally diverse and refugee backgrounds in Toowoomba and Gatton will receive a guiding hand to build a brighter future through an innovative youth program.
The Empowering Youth to Empower Communities project will be delivered by the Queensland African Communities Council’s African Youth Support Council, in partnership with the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma.
The program will work to keep children and young people in school, while getting them engaged in positive social activities.
Activities will be co-developed by young people, parents and community stakeholders, and will build on family and cultural strengths.
The project is funded through a $120,000 grant from the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program and will be delivered over 12 months from July this year.
The Queensland African Communities Council has previous experience in delivering youth mentoring and family support in other parts of the state.
The funding will allow them to employ a dedicated youth worker in Toowoomba.
Other programs to receive CMQ grants in Toowoomba include the ‘You Belong: Cook to Connect for Women’ program for humanitarian visa holders, specifically those on a women-at-risk visa, and the ‘Colour My World’ program for young artists from diverse cultural backgrounds.
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:
“I’m thrilled to be in Toowoomba to meet with the Queensland African Communities Council and its African Youth Support Council, who will deliver this fantastic new project.
“It will be a game-changer for many young people who come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and who may be disengaged or disconnected from the community.
“This project will enable young people to feel heard, valued and supported, so they can fully participate in their community and everything it has to offer.”
As stated by Queensland African Communities Council youth worker Mr Anyuat Anyuat:
“This program is the first of its kind in Toowoomba, and we’re hoping the community will help make it a success.
“Sport is going to be a big part of the program because sport is every kid’s language, and it’s important to speak a language they know.
“A key focus of mine will be to engage with schools and connect with young people who need our support.
“We know it takes a village to raise a kid, so we must all do our part to improve the lives of young people in Toowoomba.”
