AFRICAUSE EDUCATION SUPPORT INCLUDE: HOME WORK GROUP IN FLEMINGTON, ADULT ENGLISH BASIC LIFE SKILLS (SPEAKING, READING AND WRITING SKILLS) AND DIRECT SUPPORT TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Education as one of the main community empowerments, builds future generation to better participate in economic, social, political leadership in 21^st Century Australia. Africause has successfully been running Homework programs in Flemington area for over 10 years with support and partnership with Jesuit Social Services and students from the University of Melbourne and other volunteers. Due to the success of the program, we have expanded our program to include supporting schools with early intervention to minimise school dropouts and also students and families mentoring as well.

Homework support for Students provided with family environment and practical means with their school homework and opportunities to succeed in their studies, which enabling them to integrate into the Australian schooling system. Positive peer relationships are developed along with the understanding of each other’s issues, needs, roles and the education system.

Volunteers provide casework to mothers and young people to support with their schooling challenges. They will also increase their knowledge of appropriate support services including other local services.

The program also provides Information sessions for families (parents and students) regarding schools’ programs (homework etc.) and options for young people.

Adult English literacy skills in Footscray and Dandenong every Tuesday , Friday and Saturday

Africause has established English literacy support for refugee and migrants at our Footscray office every Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning with volunteer tutors. The classes consist of few students but the demands for the English class is growing as the word spreads in the communities. The demand for volunteer tutors will increase and we would appreciate interested volunteers to join our support group to assist.

The Dandenong group is focused on women with special needs to learn basic English to improve their skills and also to develop self esteem and confidence to speak and communicate. The Dandenong class is every Friday at the Maurice Blackburn office. Thus. This class is a pilot study to test on the challenges women facing and how to learn and improve their communication skills speaking, and writing.

School Program for African/Muslim Students

Africause inspire foundation is dedicated to the wellbeing of all people regardless of race, religion, creed, or gender. We aim to challenge, equip and strengthen the character of our young people so as to build successful, productive members of Australian Multicultural communities.

The Aim and strategies of our organisation is based on the following principles:

Refugees and Migrant Youth (RMY) Advancement is essential and it is our priority. The whole idea of this activity is to bring RMY and forge relationships between themselves and with all other mainstream students. The strategy behind this is to inspire the youth for a shared vision of social cohesion during their critical age at junior high school (Year 8 and 9). We must light the paths and lighten the load for each other. We must provide light at the end of the tunnel for both to dream the same (early intervention by targeting at risk children with scholarship). Each of us has something to contribute that is unique and enlightening.  As one of the top world Universities, we have very qualified members who are dedicated and willing to help and organise the interaction between the two group of students which include activities during the school year after hours and weekends.

Whether it is through keeping our feelings to ourselves and using our quiet strengths and resources to advance our issues or a burning passion through anger fuming in the blood that moves some of us to resist the injustices that take place. Thoughts give you permission to make changes or accept present realities. Each of us progresses along the road of life differently. It is clear that we are all conduits for the sharing of knowledge. We control the power within us to change ourselves and inspire others (Education: Imagine the future and fill the gap).

It is a universal truth that the continuity and progress of any given society hinges upon its youth. A society that fails to cultivate and invest in its youth also fails to ensure its own future. The youth are “gods in chrysalis”, leaders in the making, and should be treated with all seriousness. The immigrant parents and the government departments in Australia are entrusted with a sacred duty of organising the youth and of becoming mentors and positive role models.