The African Youth Initiative (AYI) has been awarded $150,000 in state government funding to support their initiatives in Melton and across the west.
AYI is a youth not-for-profit founded in Melton in 2020 in response to the disengagement of African youth growing up in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
AYI co-founder and chief executive Robiel Abraham said the initiative runs a range of projects and works with other groups to help young people be the best versions of themselves.
AYI delivers a range of activities including mentoring and workshops and work with and sponsor other local groups such as Faithful Coalition – a youth-led Christian men’s group, Girl Chat – a social group for young South Sudanese Australian women, Grace Community – an outreach of Melton Uniting Church and Home Court which hosts weekly basketball games.
AYI is also working on a documentary series called the Reclaimed Voices Project – a documentary series showcasing the stories of young people in Melton who have rehabilitated after contact with the justice system.
Mr Abraham said he’s “thankful to God and really happy that the group has gotten this backing”.
“There’s a very big problem in the western suburbs and we need to find new ways to address it,” he said.
“We’ve got new and innovative ideas and we’re happy that we’ve gotten this backing and we hope the community continues to support us.
“At the end of the day we’re hoping to make Melton a better place.”
Melton MP Steve McGhie said this project by the African Youth Initiative will “help to ensure our South Sudanese Australian young people can fully participate in the vibrant community we have here in Melton”.
