The Empowering African Youth Program is led by Multicultural Affairs and brings state government departments, non-government organisations and African communities together, to support young African South Australians and their families.

The four-year program responds to challenges highlighted by the African Communities Council of South Australia Working Group’s Inquiry into Youth Violence and Crime within African South Australian Communities.

How the program works

With a focus on early intervention, the program supports young African South Australians to strengthen their connections with their culture, education and community, to overcome personal challenges and reach their full potential.

Support includes:

  • cultural connection and identity programs
  • educational support
  • case management and mentoring
  • sports and recreation activities.

These services are being delivered in partnership with seven schools in Adelaide’s northern suburbs:

  • Craigmore High School
  • Mark Oliphant College
  • Parafield Gardens High School
  • Playford International College
  • Roma Mitchell Secondary College
  • Salisbury East High School
  • Salisbury High School.

Multicultural Affairs also works with African community organisations to run community-based programs. These focus on:

  • strengthening family connection
  • supporting parenting skills
  • promoting wellbeing
  • creating safe and inclusive environments for young people and their families.

Program partners

The program is delivered in collaboration with partners across sectors and communities. Together, it forms a ‘village’ that offers culturally safe and meaningful support to African young people and their families.

Partners include:

  • African Communities Council of South Australia
  • Australian Refugee Association
  • Basketball South Australia
  • Department for Education
  • Department of Human Services
  • Eastside Rams Basketball Club
  • Flinders University
  • Football South Australia
  • Legal Services Commission
  • Mentoring, Coaching and Counselling
  • Mission Australia
  • South Australia Police
  • Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabillitation Services (STTARS)
  • University of South Australia

For more information

Download a visual overview of the Empowering African Youth Program (PDF, 98.2 KB)

For further information or to collaborate with the Empowering African Youth Program, please email EmpoweringAfricanYouthProgram@sa.gov.au