Wednesday, 29 May 2024

Ministers statements: multicultural communities

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:16): On Thursday I had the great pleasure of attending Thornbury High School with the member for Northcote Kat Theophanous to meet students taking part in the fantastic homework clubs program. The homework clubs are one of the key initiatives funded as part of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan. In this year’s budget we have invested over $17 million in the action plan, including for homework clubs, which focus on keeping young Victorians of African heritage engaged in school and connected with their community.

At Thornbury High School the homework club is run by Endeavour Youth Australia, and I want to give a special thanks to their CEO and member of the Victorian African Communities Committee Mohamed Semra for his tireless advocacy and support for young people in Victoria’s African communities. I was also joined by committee member Mahamed Ahmed and the chair of the committee and member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards. Over the past three years more than 1300 students have enrolled in and benefited from the homework clubs program, with feedback showing students are more confident and have a positive outlook on school and their education. The great turnout and the enthusiasm from students last week were a demonstration of how well received this program is. Students told me that the homework club motivates them to complete all their homework and do much better at school.

Supporting this important cohort of young people to thrive and build their confidence in their education pursuits extends well beyond the classroom. It means ensuring each and every young person of African heritage has a strong sense of belonging, connection and inclusion in their school and wider community. I am so proud to see the continuing success of this program and to hear the different stories from these bright young individuals at Thornbury High.