By Matthew Sims
Western Melbourne students from African Australian communities have celebrated the completion of a school holiday program at Sunshine.
Crime Prevention Minister Natalie Hutchins and Brimbank council mayor Jasmine Nguyen visited the students in Sunshine on Friday, April 22 to mark the end of the ‘Beat the Time’ school holiday program.
The Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity (AAFRO) program has provided cooking lessons, sports and social activities for students of all ages over the school holidays.
Other activities included resume writing, mock job interviews and homework support to give them the tools to access job opportunities and thrive in life after school.
The State Government provided $15,000 in funding to deliver the program, which was part of a broader investment of $270,000 for 24 targeted programs to see more than 1400 young people take part in day and overnight activities as part of the State Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy.
Ms Hutchins said the program had helped to give the students a level of support and guidance in tailored activities.
“School holiday activities like ‘Beat the Time’ are so important to help young people feel connected and supported during the school breaks,” she said.
