EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Afri-Aus Care Case for Support
Building Bridges for African and CALD
Australians through Culturally Appropriate Support and Empowerment
Who we are AFRI-AUS CARE
Afri-Aus Care is a Melbourne-based community organisation founded to empower African and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australians. Since its inception, Afri-Aus Care has focused on bridging the gap between these communities and mainstream Australian services, addressing the complex challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
At the heart of Afri-Aus Care’s work is the UBUNTU philosophy, a deeply rooted African worldview that emphasises community, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all people. Guided by this philosophy, we strive to create a supportive environment where individuals and families from African and CALD backgrounds can overcome barriers and thrive.
Our Mission
We are committed to improving the lives of African and CALD Australians by providing culturally appropriate services that foster inclusion, resilience, and wellbeing. AfriAus Care offers support in mental health, legal assistance, employment pathways, peer support, and more.
Our Approach
We believe that addressing the unique needs of our community requires culturally sensitive and tailored interventions. That’s why Afri-Aus Care’s team consists of professionals who not only understand the cultural backgrounds of those we serve
but share those experiences themselves. This lived experience fosters trust and enables us to deliver services that are relevant and impactful.
Our Impact
By working collaboratively with government bodies, partner organisations, and the communities we serve, Afri-Aus Care is helping African and CALD Australians build a brighter future. Our programs, like the Black Rhino Sports Program and the UBUNTU African Women’s Empowerment Project, are transforming lives and creating opportunities for personal and community growth.
The Need That Afri-Aus Care Addresses
Migrants and refugees from African and other CALD backgrounds face significant challenges when settling in Australia. Afri-Aus Care works with individuals, families and communities facing the following key issues:
1. Language barriers
Limited English proficiency hinders access to services, employment, and daily life, isolating individuals from the broader Australian society.
2. Cultural Adjustment
Balancing cultural identity with integration can lead to alienation, as many struggle to adapt to new societal norms while preserving their heritage.
5. Isolation
Separation from family and familiar networks often leads to loneliness and depression, worsened by language and cultural barriers.
6. Employment Barriers
Unrecognised qualifications, lack of local experience, and racial biases create obstacles to employment, contributing to financial hardship.
Afri-Aus Care’s Theory of Change
At Afri-Aus Care, we believe that real, lasting change is built on a foundation of culturally responsive, communitydriven action. Our Theory of Change is a clear and strategic framework that guides our efforts to support African and CALD communities in overcoming barriers, fostering inclusion, and creating opportunities for growth.
The journey begins with the provision of essential services, tailored to the unique needs of those we serve, and culminates
in the creation of strong, multicultural communities enriched by the values of UBUNTU—collectivity, compassion, dignity, and mutual support. Our theory demonstrates how each step, from direct intervention to community engagement, leads to profound personal and societal transformation.
The pyramid below visually represents this progression, showing how the activities at the base lay the groundwork for the ultimate impact we aim to achieve.
FINAL GOAL
Theory of Change in Action
At Afri-Aus Care, our work is guided by the UBUNTU philosophy—collectivity, compassion, and human dignity. We strive to build a society rich in culture, social connection, and opportunity.
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
We serve as a bridge between two worlds:
1. Empowering Individuals
Afri-Aus Care provides culturally appropriate services, particularly in
2. Bridging the Gap
We collaborate with government and other organisations to advocate for our
Our Services
Our programs are designed to address key challenges in the community, including:
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Services include mental health interventions, peer support, and alcohol and drug education.
Youth and Community Engagement
Our youth programs and the Black Rhinos Sports Program foster social connection and leadership.
Legal and Advocacy Support
Legal assistance and advocacy help navigate the justice system and defend rights.
Employment Pathways
We support job readiness through tailored employment programs.
The Power of Lived Experience
Our team, made up of African professionals, shares the cultural background and experiences of our community members, fostering trust and leading to more effective outcomes.
Positive Change, Together
By providing access to culturally appropriate services, Afri-Aus Care helps individuals feel included and hopeful, contributing to stronger families and communities that embody UBUNTU.
PROJECTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
Afri-Aus Care seeks support for key projects that empower African and CALD Australians. Here, we present four flagship projects where your support can make a significant impact.
UBUNTU African Women’s Empowerment Project
The UBUNTU Africa Women’s Empowerment Project helps African women in Australia who are subject to post settlement challenges and acculturation stressors that isolate them from wider Australian society.
This project will support African refugee women from South Sudan (Dinka, Nuer and Shilluk), Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia (Oromo). Those within the target group often come from lowincome households, experience high rates of unemployment, have limited English language proficiency, endure high rates of family violence, and are disproportionately impacted by mental illness and undiagnosed disabilities due to cultural taboos limiting their capacity to seek help.
Please scan the QR code to read more:
PROJECTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT With Your Support
Your support will enable the UBUNTU Project to deliver vital services to African Australian women, helping them overcome barriers and build better futures. Together we can provide:
English Language Classes
Empowering women to communicate confidently and access essential services.
Job Readiness and Employment Support
Providing training to improve job prospects and increase financial independence.
Health Literacy and Education
Offering culturally appropriate health services, mental health counselling, and free medical check-ups.
Legal Education and Support
Delivering personalised legal assistance and education to help women navigate the legal system.
Together, these efforts will:
1. Boost employment opportunities for participants.
2. Improve English proficiency, enhancing social and community participation.
3. Strengthen mental and physical health through better access to healthcare.
4. Foster stronger community connections, reducing isolation and building a sense of belonging.
The UBUNTU Project transforms lives, empowering African Australian women to contribute to and enrich their families and communities, creating a brighter future for all.
UBUNTU Junior Ambassadors Program
The UBUNTU Junior Ambassadors offer primary intervention approaches to young people aged (6-17) engaged in school to thrive and be supported through Homework Clubs, community excursions, programs engaging young people and their families and support with engagement with Child
PROJECTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
With Your Support
With your support, the program would be expanded to enable direct mentoring supports to schools in the South-east with significant African Australian student cohorts.
Please scan the QR code to read the full study:
Afri-Aus Care’s research with RMIT found that mentoring supports play a significant role in expanding a young person’s vision and career options, significant behavioural changes, allows for goal setting, better engagement in classes, keeps parents and families engaged and has displayed better VCE outcomes.
Black Rhinos Sports Program
The Black Rhinos Sports Program uses sport to drive social change, offering young African Australians a sense of belonging while helping them overcome challenges such as social isolation, mental health struggles, and justice system involvement.
The Challenge
Many African Australian youth face:
• Social isolation, lacking strong community connections.
• Justice system involvement, with some at risk of reoffending.
• Mental health challenges, often compounded by trauma.
Please scan the QR code to read more:
This project currently engages 150 African youth aged 18-30 and has six teams competing in the Melbourne Metropolitan Basketball League and a soccer team competing with over 30 registered members competing in the Monash Leisure League.
PROJECTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
Evidence-Based Impact
An independent evaluation by the University of Melbourne and the Department of Justice and Community Safety has shown that the Black Rhinos Sports Program:
Improved participants’ health and wellbeing through culturally responsive services.
Strengthened family relationships and community engagement.
Created pathways for socioeconomic participation.
With Your Support
With your support, we can expand the program, forming new teams, including one for youth with justice system involvement. Mentors, counsellors, and case managers will be embedded to offer comprehensive support and reduce the risk of reoffending.
Your contributions will help:
1. Expand the program to reach more at-risk youth.
2. Provide integrated services, including mental health support and mentorship.
3. Build resilience and leadership through sport.
By supporting the Black Rhinos Sports Program, you will help break cycles of disadvantage and foster longterm positive outcomes for African Australian youth, empowering them to thrive in their communities.
UBUNTU Youth Diversion Program
Afri-Aus Care diversion programs support young African Australians engaged with the Justice System retransition back into the community.
Pathways
The program assists young people to be supported through four pathways which are:
• employment
• education
• mental health supports
• sport
How We Operate
Afri-Aus Care operates across the Youth Justice continuum, engaging with young people in custody, engaged with Youth Justice and on Court diversion programs.
Afri-Aus Care also supports young people engaged with Child Protection and facing family violence.
PROJECTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
With Your Support
Your support will help Afri-Aus Care bolster its services to support young people in need through case management services, rehabilitation programs and connections with positive role models. The support provided will also be utilised to assist family members of young people engaged with the system.
Utilising the UBUNTU Philosophy, Afri-Aus Care provides care across the family unit to ensure successful longterm outcomes and reintegration back into Australian society.
INVITATION TO PARTNER WITH AFRI-AUS
CARE
Afri-Aus Care cultivates strong multicultural communities, enriching Australia with cultural vibrancy, robust social connections, and economic empowerment for all. Our programs transform lives, building a more inclusive and supportive society.
With your partnership, we can continue to expand our impact and reach even more African and CALD Australians in need.
Our Founder and CEO, Selba-Gondoza Luka would very much appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and share our exciting plans.
UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY
The UBUNTU Philosophy is an Afro-centric model of change, embodied in the statement :
‘I am because we are.’
The philosophy is rooted in the firm understanding that an individual experience is intricately bound to another’s, and that successes and challenges are shared threads in the fabric of a community’s collective experience. Afri-Aus Care utilises this philosophy across its programs to ensure that a community rising is the only true measure of achievement, and that begins with an individual extending their hand to help another, allowing for an environment that is built on collaboration, empathy and a united narrative.
Selba-Gondoza Luka FOUNDER AND CEO