Victoria Police Community Engagement Inspector for the region Inspector Bruce Wemyss with Makuei and Ayom. 59518
By Bridget Cook
The Sudanese Youth Leadership Development Program is a 10-week program being offered to 24 Sudanese youth from the Greater Dandenong area.
The workshops will cover topics including leadership styles, project management, submission writing, public speaking and employment readiness. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss their right and responsibilities and law and order matters.
The program has been developed by local Sudanese youth representatives with the support of Victoria Police, the City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services, through the flexible funding program, the Victorian Multi-Cultural Commission and the Community Support Grants Program.
Victoria Police Community Engagement Inspector for the region Inspector Bruce Wemyss said the program was all about sustainable outcomes.
“The themes and sessions have been developed by a working group consisting of young Sudanese community volunteers working closely with police,” Insp Wemyss said.
“By equipping these young people with these skills we expect them to take the lead and deliver future programs themselves.
“Over time, we hope to offer similar opportunities to other new and emerging communities in the region.”
At the completion of the program, the group will be encouraged to develop a project that will benefit their community. This may include organising a sports or arts event or a program that would support community development.
With many of the participants having a passion for soccer, Insp Wemyss said players from Melbourne Heart Soccer Club would support the program by providing mentoring sessions.
He said it was envisaged that the completion of the program would culminate in linkages to employment opportunities in the south east.
