Young people from multicultural background will receive more support from the Victorian government, including more opportunities to develop their skills and come together through sport.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence announced on 12 April 2021 that a package of $450,000 will be made available for sporting organisations that deliver mentoring and skill building activities for African and Muslim young people. This includes $150,000 each for the Bachar Houli Foundation, Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and The Huddle.
Multicultural youth at the North Melbourne’s club sport program for youth
These grants were announced at a special event with Bachar Houli and the Richmond Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. The Bachar Houli Foundation will use this funding to continue its Girls Leadership Program, which strengthens identity and community connectedness among Muslim girls aged 12 to 17 years.
Sport is a fantastic way to engage young people with their communities, build confidence and grow leadership skills. The skills and values these programs promote will empower a new group of young leaders in our community.”, stated Minister for Youth Ros Spence
The money announced will also support the Foundation’s A-Game program, which engages Islamic young people through mentoring opportunities and interactive modules, and the Richmond Football Club’s Tiger Paw program which educates primary school students about teamwork and physical and mental wellbeing.
The new funding will also support delivery of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s GOAL Youth Mentoring Program, which engages young Australians of African background in Melbourne’s West through mentoring and personal development workshops. Additionally, the the funds will also support the continuation of The Huddle’s Wyndham Project, which is based at the North Melbourne Football Club and works with schools in Wyndham to engage African young people in sport and recreation activities and education and career support.
Young people from Victoria’s multicultural and faith communities have faced significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. With investments like these, the Labor Government is ensuring young people can recover stronger than ever.
Alex Nyembo
Reporter
