The Andrews Labor Government is working with grassroots organisations to give young people more chances to connect with their communities through the new Youth Engagement Grants.

MP for Clarinda, Meng Heang Tak today announced that the Somaliland Union Of Victoria Inc. would be one of the 19 organisations have selected to develop initiatives to empower and support young people in their communities.

This project will deliver an after-school program, Year 12 awards night and soccer tournament in the Greater Dandenong area for youth from all backgrounds with a focus on African young people to support youth development.

The Youth Engagement Grants will provide $1.7 million in funding over two grant rounds, with up to $50,000 per grant for small multicultural and Aboriginal clubs and community organisations to support young people aged 8 – 24 years.

The grants help address the root causes of crime, giving communities the ability to intervene early, helping teenagers build positive lives for themselves.

Social isolation has been raised by young people through the Andrews Labor Government’s Empowering Communities program, through which local communities build crime prevention projects.

Community empowerment and partnerships are a key focus of the government’s Crime Prevention Strategy, which recognises that each community has the expertise, knowledge and ideas to design solutions that are right for them.

Investment in the Youth Engagement grants is part of a broader $30 million investment from the 2020-21 and 2021-22 State Budgets to deliver the Victorian Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy.

For more information visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/youthengagementgrants

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention, Natalie Hutchins

“We know that disconnection and social isolation can drive young people away from their communities and towards riskier behaviour.”

“But we also know that grassroots organisations have the skills, knowledge and expertise to address the root causes of crime, which is why we’re partnering with local groups to build a safer Victoria for all.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Clarinda, Meng Heang Tak

“The Somaliland Union Of Victoria Inc do wonderful work with young people across our area. I am pleased that the Andrews Labor Government is supporting them to reach more young people and help them build brighter futures for themselves.”