The Victorian Government has announced more support for the State’s African communities through the ground-breaking Homework Clubs initiative, which it says has helped increase school participation and completion rates.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll today announced the 18 community organisations selected to deliver the successful Homework Clubs program over the next three years, sharing in a total of $5.1 million in funding.
The Minister said the Homework Clubs aim to support improved engagement of students and their families with education, schools and communities.
The program is delivered as part of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan, which is empowering African communities across the state to have a strong sense of belonging, connection, and inclusion in Victoria, he said.
“Our ground-breaking Homework Clubs not only support young people’s education but work toward building a welcoming and more inclusive Victoria for all,” said Mr Carroll.
“The evidence shows that these clubs are helping students and families engage with school and succeed, which is setting students up with the skills they need to thrive.”
The Homework Clubs program has enrolled more than 1,350 students, with feedback indicating that students feel more confident and positive about school, and parents are more engaged in their children’s education, said Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt.
“Providing young people with spaces to feel engaged and supported in our diverse communities helps build pride of identity – with the extra support from our Homework Clubs giving African Victorian students and families confidence to thrive in education,” she said.
“Every member of our community deserves to feel supported, and I’m thrilled to see the positive impact our Homework Clubs has had across our state.”
Grant recipients include:
- Afri-Aus Care
- African Youth Alliance
- ASPYA Young Africans
- Australian Burundian Community in Victoria
- Ballarat Regional Multicultural Community
- Community Abundance
- Dandenong Community and Learning Centre
- Djerriwarrah Community and Education Services
- Drummond Street Services
- Himilo Community Connect
- Islamic Society of Victoria
- Kensington Neighbourhood House
- Networking African Australian
- Regional Victorians of Colour
- Somali Community Inc
- Stand out Youth Empowerment
- Western Bulldogs Community Foundation
For more information on the Victorian African Communities Action Plan and Homework Clubs visit vic.gov.au/empowering-african-communities-victoria.
