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  • Ethnic Youth Council - "Giving a Voice to Young People"
    The Ethnic Youth Council (EYC) is a group facilitated by Spectrum consisting of young people aged 15 to 25 years who are passionate about becoming leaders in their communities and representing their peers in addressing issues faced by young Australians, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds. [read more and get involved]
  • Refugee Youth Basketball Program
    Since 2003, the Refugee Youth Basketball Program Bridging the Gaps has sparked enthusiasm from volunteers, many of whom are members of Victoria Police. There are now 5 basketball teams with young people from Somali, Anglo, Chinese, Filipino, and Sudanese backgrounds. [read more and get involved]
  • Youth Financial Subsidy
    Spectrum offers a subsidy to young people (15 -25 years) from unemployed or low income families, so they can access skills, training and registration that they would have not otherwise been able to access. Recreation (sport registration fees, uniforms), and Employment pathways are the main areas that will be funded.
    The amount may vary from $50.00 up to $250.00.
    If you are a young person experiencing financial difficulty in the pursuit of your sport, education or employment, come in and see the Refugee Youth Worker, call (03) 9496 0200 or email info@spectrumvic.org.au .

Ethnic Youth Council - "Giving a Voice to Young People"

The Ethnic Youth Council (EYC) is a group facilitated by Spectrum consisting of young people aged 15 to 25 years who are passionate about becoming leaders in their communities and representing their peers in addressing issues faced by young Australians, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Purpose

The EYC's values are based on young people working for young people to:

  • Inspire youth to actively participate in fun and stimulating diverse projects
  • Provide opportunities for young people to be connected with their communities
  • Ensure they are respected as individuals and get a fair go
  • Provide opportunities for young people to advocate for their needs

Background

From Spectrum's many years of involvement with migrant and refugee communities, two of the common themes expressed to them by young people were:

  • A desire to have their own dedicated voice; and
  • Availability of organised ethnic-youth friendly social activities

Taking this into account, Spectrum recognised the potential to empower migrant and refugee youth by creating a group for young people to advocate for their needs directly and to organise events that would meet their cultural and social needs. After being granted funding for 3 years by the Office for Youth, the Ethnic Youth Council was established in May, 2006 and re-funded in 2009.

In February 2007, the first EYC Executive Committee was elected, bringing the EYC a strong step closer to forming a powerful body that represents the diversity of young people living in Melbourne.

Activities and Achievements:

  • Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2009
    Participation in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) seminar
  • VMC Refugee Recognition Record 2006 - 4 members received the award
  • "Go With Da FLOW" program, involving training provided by Metropolitan Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Victoria Police, Youthlaw and Spectrum
  • "Freedom of Art" Expo
  • Participation in YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament 2007
  • Participation in Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
  • Continuing representation at various local, national and international conferences and forums on issues specific to CALD youth

The EYC meets on Wednesdays every fortnight at Spectrum MRC - 251 High St, Preston from 5:30pm

For more information and to get involved, please contact Peter Ajak, EYC Project Officer, on (03) 9496 0200 or email petera@spectrumvic.org.au .

Refugee Youth Basketball Program

Since 2003, the Refugee Youth Basketball Program Bridging the Gaps has sparked enthusiasm from volunteers, many of whom are members of Victoria Police. There are now 5 basketball teams with young people from Somali, Anglo, Chinese, Philipino, and Sudanese backgrounds.

For many, basketball is their first experience of organised team sport with 61 young people currently participating. This program has proven to be very effective in removing barriers for young people, by providing them with transportation to and from games, uniforms, coaching and equipment, which is essential for them to be able to play their favorite sport. There are currently boys and girls teams playing in the Preston and Heidelberg areas.

VicHealth and Variety Children's Charity have sponsored Spectrum's Bridging the Gaps with Basketball program in the past. The program is currently supported through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

For further information and to get involved, please call Spectrum MRC’s office (03) 9496 0200.

After School Western Program

Every Monday, 5pm to 7pm @ RecWest, Lily St. Braybrook (Bus 410
from Sunshine Station).

Come along and try before you register. It’s free!

Coached by former NBL & US College Star, Mike Spears

Questions? Call William 0407 829 370 or Adam 0433 857 875to find out more

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Lead the Way Youth Camp 2010