A new African leadership program, designed to address priority areas identified by migrants themselves, will empower participants to achieve their potential and address the complex needs of Western Australian African communities.
Launching the African Leadership Initiative, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said it was important for community development.
"Leadership can make a big difference and we recognise that within local African communities, there are a number of aspiring leaders who want to contribute more but don't currently have the skills and knowledge to do so," Dr Nahan said.
The three-year initiative will receive up to $70,000 per year in Liberal National Government funding through the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI).
"This initiative will provide the support and resources these future leaders need to achieve their potential and help unify the diverse African community groups in WA," the Minister said.
"Successful participants will have an important role in supporting the growth of their local communities and the growth of the State as a whole.
"This program will be delivered by the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre and South Metropolitan TAFE.
"It will help empower participants with the skills to represent community needs, collaborate and advocate across communities, and work in partnership with government, non-government organisations and the private sector.
"Each year, emerging and established community leaders will be selected to participate in the program to receive an accredited Certificate II in Leadership, as well as ongoing mentoring."
The African Leadership Initiative is funded as part of the State Government's $810,000 Multicultural Partnerships Program, a triennial funding program managed by OMI for the delivery of services that address the priority needs of migrants by building knowledge, experience and skills.
Fact File
There are more than 70,000 African-born people living in WA
The top four African-born communities are South African, Zimbabwean, Kenyan and Mauritian
30 participants are enrolled in the inaugural leadership training program
Minister's office - 6552 5700
