- Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Victorian Government is supporting and empowering young African Victorians so they can achieve their potential at school and beyond.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced $3 million to support better educational outcomes for African Victorian school students across the state as part of the Government's Victorian African Communities Action Plan.
It also includes $240,000 to advance the next generation of African Victorian leaders, by improving their board and governance skills through Australian Institute of Company Director courses.
The education program includes funding for 12 community organisations to work in partnership with schools to deliver homework clubs, after school and parent engagement activities to help students make the most out of their schooling years.
School Community Liaison Officers will act as conduits to support positive learning outcomes in eight host schools and up to 23 surrounding schools across Melbourne that have a high proportion of students with African heritage.
The officers will respond and build awareness of African Victorian student needs, ensure parents are included in school processes and improve student engagement and wellbeing.
The new initiatives were designed and delivered in partnership with the Victorian African Communities Action Plan Implementation Committee, which comprises a diverse group of African Victorian community leaders.
To learn more about the initiatives at: vic.gov.au/empowering-african-communities-victoria.
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
"We want every Victorian to reach for and achieve their full potential - we'll be a stronger Victoria because of it."
"I am so proud of our partnership with African communities under the Victorian African Communities Action Plan and our work so far - this is making a real difference in the lives of so many young people."
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
"We're working closely with Victoria's African communities to make sure they have what they need so their children can thrive."
As stated by Implementation Committee Deputy Chair Elleni Bereded-Samuel
"A huge amount of cooperation, thought and effort has gone into this plan and it just demonstrates how committed the community is to deliver better outcomes for the next generation."
As stated by Implementation Committee Deputy Chair Ahmed Hassan
"Full credit to everyone in the community who has worked on this - hand in hand with government - to create meaningful and impactful change."
