Victorian Government supporting the Next Generation Of African Victorian Leaders

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.
Quotes attributable to 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.”
Quote attributable to 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.”
Quote attributable to 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.”
Quote attributable to 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.

Source: Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence