The Allan Labor Government is continuing to support Victoria’s African communities through the successful ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs which have helped increase school participation and completion rates.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt yesterday visited Endeavour Youth Australia at Thornbury High Schoolto meet with students and announce a $17 million investment to support Victoria’s African communities.
The funding will invest $12 million into the successful ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs and School Community Liaison Officers programs. The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs program has enrolled more than 1,350 students, with feedback showing students are more confident and positive about school, and parents more engaged in their children’s education.
Delivered as part of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan – a 10-year strategy to empower African Victorians – ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs aim to better engage students and their families with their education, schools, and communities.
The program offers safe, inclusive, and culturally appropriate spaces for young African Victorians and their families to meet to do schoolwork and other activities.
It also provides important opportunities for families to build social connections within their local and wider communities, with ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs running across the state including in Dandenong, Flemington, Carlton, Pakenham, and Preston along with regional cities such as Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, and Corio.
An additional $5 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 will continue delivering on the Victorian African Communities Action Plan, which funds a range of programs designed to support African communities with employment, education, leadership and infrastructure.
For more information on the Victorian African Communities Action Plan and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs visit vic.gov.au/empowering-african-communities-victoria
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
“We’ve seen the positive outcomes of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs for students and their families, and by continuing funding we’re ensuring Victorians of African heritage have more opportunities to thrive in our state.”
“We’re committed to ensuring every Victorian feels a sense of belonging in our state and the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Clubs not only support young people’s education but work toward building a fairer more inclusive Victoria for all.”
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
“We are continuing to support members of our community in every stage of life, and I’m delighted to see so many kids engaging with ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾work Club here at Thornbury High School.”
As stated by Chair of Victorian African Communities Committee Pauline Richards
“We’re working every day to make sure that the advice and insights of our diverse African communities are heard at all levels of government. I’m pleased to see this important initiative receive more funding in the Victorian Budget 2024/25, ensuring that we’re supporting our youngest Victorians to stay engaged with school.”
