Student Support
- In-school mentoring during school hours
- After-school homework help (Tuesdays 5-7pm, Flemington)
- One-on-one youth mentoring with culturally-matched mentors
Education
We are committed to doing everything in our power to give every African-Australian child the chance to learn, grow, and dream, because education is not just about school, it’s about building a better future for our young people and our community.
Empowering Through Education
At Africause, we believe in supporting African students to achieve their best. Education is one of the main community empowerments, building future generations to better participate in economic, social, and political leadership in 21st century Australia. We've witnessed students who went from participating for less than 5 minutes a day to becoming fully engaged in school, just like their peers. We recognize that for students to stay in school, we need to collaborate with both school leadership and families—ensuring open communication and consistent expectations across the board.
Our Impact
10+
Years Running
homework programs
homework programs
100+
Students Supported through
mentoring & wellbeing programs
mentoring & wellbeing programs
Across
Melbourne
Melbourne
Flemington, Footscray, Dandenong,
and western suburbs
and western suburbs
Africause Wellbeing School Program (6-Weeks)
An exciting and enriching program exploring wellbeing, diversity, inclusivity, and leadership through vibrant African cultures. Students develop a strong sense of identity, respect, positive relationships, resilience, responsibility, and leadership skills.
Program Structure
Week 1
Identity
Fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing through self-reflection, identity collages, guest speakers, and team-building activities.
Week 2
Respect
Enhancing qualities of honouring self and others through respect pledges, role-playing scenarios, empathy exercises, and kindness challenges.
Week 3
Relationship
Establishing positive relationships through communication skills training, team-building games, conflict resolution, and community involvement.
Week 4
Resilience
Developing self-management skills through mindfulness practice, growth mindset teaching, goal setting, and stress management workshops.
Week 5
Responsibility
Establishing awareness of responsibility for self and others through environmental awareness, community service, personal accountability discussions, and role model introductions.
Week 6
Leadership
Promoting student leadership skills through leadership trait discussions, leadership projects, public speaking practice, leadership panels, and career/entrepreneurship exploration.
Other Programs & Services
Empowering students, families, and communities through comprehensive support
Family & Community
- Parent workshops & school engagement support
- Adult English literacy classes (Footscray & Dandenong)
- Casework support for families facing schooling challenges
Schools & Educators
- Cultural liaison between schools and African-Australian families
- Professional development workshops on cultural competence
- Early intervention support to prevent disengagement and expulsion
New Program
Career Pathways: Teaching Placements
We're excited to offer 30 fully-funded teaching placements at Victoria University, designed to support aspiring educators in the African-Australian community.
30
Fully-Funded Placements
$15K
Scholarship Included
100%
Paid Placement
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our programs and services
Are Africause education programs free?
Yes, all our education support services are completely free for African Australian students and families.
Where are your education programs available?
We operate across Melbourne including Flemington, Footscray, Dandenong, and western suburbs. Our school support programs are available in primary and secondary schools across Melbourne's west and south-east.
How do I register my child for homework club?
Contact us at ymusa321@gmail.com or call (03) 9042 1604. We'll need to know your child's age, year level, and any specific support needs they have.
What is the Africause Wellbeing School Program?
It's a 6-week program for secondary students exploring wellbeing, diversity, inclusivity, and leadership through vibrant African cultures. Each week has a specific focus:
- Identity - Self-reflection and personal discovery
- Respect - Guest speakers and cultural understanding
- Relationship - Team-building and communication skills
- Resilience - Role-playing and mindfulness practice
- Responsibility - Goal setting and personal growth
- Leadership - Community service and leadership projects
Contact Keletso Niebling, Youth Programs Manager, to bring this program to your school.
What does in-school mentoring involve?
Our in-school mentoring program provides:
- One-on-one support during school hours
- Cultural liaison between students, families and school staff
- Early intervention to prevent disengagement
- Support for students who need assistance to participate in class
It's successfully implemented across Victorian primary, specialist, and secondary schools.
What happens at the homework club?
Students from non-English speaking backgrounds receive practical support with homework every Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm in a family-like environment. They develop positive peer relationships and understanding of the Australian education system.
We've been running this program for over 10 years with support from Jesuit Social Services, University of Melbourne students, and community volunteers.
What is the Youth Mentoring Program?
One-on-one mentoring that matches African Australian youth with mentors who understand their cultural background. Family engagement initiatives encourage students to study outside school hours and support overall educational engagement.
Can schools request support from Africause?
Yes! Schools can contact our Youth Programs Manager Keletso Niebling to discuss:
- In-school mentoring programs
- The wellbeing school program
- Professional development for staff
We provide early intervention, cultural liaison, casework support, and help schools address lack of response from families, navigate difficult discussions about behaviour or academic performance, prevent expulsion through early intervention, and create culturally safe communication.
Do you offer English classes for adults?
Yes, we offer free English literacy classes at two locations:
- Footscray: Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings at Suite 108, 144-148 Nicholson St (focus on speaking, reading, and writing for everyday life)
- Dandenong: Fridays at Maurice Blackburn Office (for women with special needs learning basic English to improve skills, develop self-esteem, and build confidence)
What is the African-Australian Teacher Training Program?
Victoria University offers 30 fully-funded placements in the Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) program. This includes:
- 6 months training at Victoria University (on-campus or remote)
- 12-month minimum paid placement within schools
- $15,000 scholarship for living expenses
- Course fees covered by the Victorian Government
- Hands-on teaching experience while completing studies
Funded by the Department of Education and Training (Victoria) in partnership with Victoria University. Africause is currently recruiting candidates—contact us to apply.
What professional development do you offer educators?
We provide professional development sessions for teachers, principals, community leaders, and government representatives to enhance:
- Cultural competence and sensitivity
- Inclusive teaching practices
- Understanding of African-Australian student needs
- Leadership skills for supporting diverse students
We facilitate regular training sessions to increase awareness and understanding of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence, equipping educators with skills to address sensitive topics and promote empathy.
What community workshops do you run?
We offer workshops for parents and families addressing identified community needs including:
- Parenting skills and school engagement
- Understanding the Australian education system
- Health education
- Supporting children's learning at home
Workshops feature diverse speakers, experts, and community leaders and are free or affordable to ensure accessibility for all community members.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Get in touch with our team for more information.
Contact Us Today