Esther Lauaki
School community liaison officers will be appointed at Carranballac College in Point Cook as part of a program which aims to help students of African heritage.
The state government is allocating $1.6 million for schools to employ community liaison officers who will act as culturally responsive advisors to support positive learning outcomes for local students.
Eight host schools and up to 23 surrounding schools across Melbourne with a high proportion of students with African heritage will access this funding.
This will include students enrolled in schools across western, north-eastern and southern Melbourne, including Wyndham.
Altona MP Jill Hennessy said the officers would respond and build awareness of African Victorian student needs, ensure parents are included in school processes and foster student engagement and wellbeing.
“Wyndham is strengthened by its cultural diversity and I’m proud to know that our local schools are committed to providing support to young people to achieve their potential, particularly during this difficult and uncertain time.”
“This initiative will aim to support and empower young Victorians of African heritage in Wyndham to thrive at school.”
The funding is part of the government’s $8.6 million Victorian African Communities Action Plan.
The new initiatives have been designed and delivered in partnership with the Victorian African Communities Action Plan Implementation Committee, which comprises a diverse group of African Victorian community leaders.
Information: www.vic.gov.au/empowering-african-communities-victoria
Esther Lauaki
