Strategic Plan
African Family Services was established in 2015 as a response to the recognised unmet demand for culturally sensitive support services by the rising population of African-Australians living in Victoria.
In 2016, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the number of people born in Africa living in Victoria had risen to 94,520; recording a 15% rise from 81,727 as reported in 2011.
Overtime, socio-economic integration challenges within our community have become undeniably visible and the need for AFS support services inevitable. The journey of migrants to effective integration in Australia is always long and characterised by various challenges. In early 2018, the Victorian Government and Victoria police, in the wake of the negative media reporting of the African- Australian youth, acknowledged that issues facing the African- Australian community in Victoria were driven by social disadvantage, lack of employment opportunities and challenges in understanding and accessing support services.
Therefore, we endeavour to advocate for and empower the African-Australian community to enable individuals and families to become thriving active members recognised for their various positive contributions to the wider Australian community. This strategy plan is a snapshot of African Family Services’ overall vision and goals for 2018- 2023.
Capacity Building
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Foster ongoing engagement through individualised support, collective work and educational workshops.
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Diversify capacity building frameworks to incorporate inclusive and practical strategies.
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Provide training and consultation to service providers.
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Embed the bottom-top approach to AFS’ service delivery model.
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Foster ongoing community engagement to capture and collate real-time evidence-based data on socio-economic integration issues.
Collaboration
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Build on brand awareness through collaboration in projects and programs.
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Attract long term partnerships that support and advocate for empowerment initiatives within the African-Australian community.
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Continue building on what works with existing services.
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Foster relationships that encourage best work practices that are inclusive and accessible to all community members in Australia.
Leadership & advocacy
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Fostering and investing in the African-Australian community strengths.
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Raise awareness and advocate for diversity in leadership roles.
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Encouraging and creating platforms that place African-Australian women and young girls in leadership roles and in the fore-front of socio-economic integration discussions.
Influence
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Repositioning AFS to play an active role or contribution to research and consultation that influences policy change.
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Connect with existing and new partners in the government, corporate, philanthropy and social sectors through community engagement strategies.
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Raise awareness of intersectionality and develop practical approaches that address the diverse needs within the African-Australian community.
Empowerment of people through a strength based approach
Empowerment of people through a strength based approach
Where to find us
African Family Services
Level 2, 134 Cambridge St, Collingwood, VIC 3066.
We acknowledge that our office is on the lands of the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Traditional Owners of the Kulin nation.
Contact us
We are here for you. Send us an email through the contact form below and we will respond within 3 business working days.
