The African Victorian Action Plan acknowledges the strengths of Victoria’s African communities and supports Victorians of African heritage to own, lead and be part of solutions. The Action Plan also asks governments, as well as the civil, private, academic, philanthropic sectors, to think about how they can work more closely with 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.
Working for lasting change
The action plan proposes more than 250 actions across 6 focus areas. The suggested actions aim to create opportunities for all people to belong, contribute and thrive. The actions also build on work already being done by communities, governments and others to support people across Victoria’s African communities.
The 6 focus areas are:
- Business: Growing African Victorian innovation, enterprise and investment across the economy.
- Employment: Strengthening skills and pathways to gain meaningful jobs in all sectors.
- Education and training: Building stronger learning foundations and skills for life.
- Health and wellbeing: Lifting the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of all people.
- Inclusion and empowerment: Supporting people to be equal, treated fairly and with respect.
- Leadership, cohesion and connection: Contributing to a strong Victoria through effective leadership, cohesive communities and stronger connections across the broader society.
To learn more about the initiatives at: https://vic.gov.au/empowering-african-communities-victoria.
