By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Afri-Aus Care’s efforts to straighten young offenders has been backed by Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Wooranna Park Primary School students.
The volunteer agency helps wayward African youth in Casey and Greater Dandenong to re-connect with their families, studies and work.
Ms Williams had contacted Wooranna Park, which donated two retired laptops on 20 August.
The computers were refurbished and installed with extra software such as Minecraft by some of its tech-minded students.
The laptops will be used by young people to help with homework under the tutelage of an Afri-Aus Care PhD volunteer.
That was the path of skills, training, employment and a “more constructive life”, Ms Williams said.
“Afri-Aus Care is an important local organisation committed to providing support and assistance to vulnerable young people in and around Dandenong.
“It is pleasing to be able to connect like-minded organisations to work together for the benefit of the Dandenong community.”
Wooranna Park principal Ray Trotter said the school was happy to help because “that’s what we’re in the business for”.
Afri-Aus Care plans to launch music and organic gardening activities to engage young people.
It also offers intensive case management, referrals to legal aid, mental health and drug-and-alcohol services and employment support.
It operates without government funding and requires sponsorship.
Afri-Aus Care director Selba Luka said her concern is the difficulty her proteges face in getting work. There are some she knows who have studied and yet can’t rise above factory work.
“You focus on what that kid wants to do. Once they’re confident, they find that next step in their education through alternative education pathways.
“Give them adequate supports to do something and make Australia a better place.”
