Our Programs
Showcasing the diverse range of projects and initiatives we undertake to support, empower
and celebrate the African community in Queensland.
VSL Programs
Case management – High risk young people
Providing case management support to high risk young people involved in the youth justice system, focusing on helping them lead a crime free life. This includes assisting them in meeting court requirements, working towards positive life goals, and creating a supportive home environment
Case management – High risk young people
Providing case management support to high risk young people involved in the youth justice system, focusing on helping them lead a crime free life.
This includes assisting them in meeting court requirements, working towards positive life goals, and creating a supportive home environment.
The program addresses barriers within the home environment by collaborating with families and siblings to ensure successful reintegration post release and reduce the likelihood of the young person to reoffend.
A key aspect of this approach is building trusting relationships with the young people, which forms the foundation for meaningful engagement and lasting change.
School programs
VSL/AYSC offers school based and after school programs aimed at building the cultural identity of young people (not only of African backgrounds) while fostering emotional regulation, confidence, personality development, and team building.
School programs
VSL/AYSC offers school based and after school programs aimed at building the cultural identity of young people (not only of African backgrounds) while fostering emotional regulation, confidence, personality development, and team building.
These programs, conducted after school or on campus during lunchtime, also provide one on one support to children who need additional assistance, including help with resume writing, job searching, or other wellbeing related needs.
Support is complemented by relevant referrals, made with parental consent. Additionally, youth mentors focus on strengthening the relationships between young people, their parents, and their schools, fostering a supportive network for their growth and success.
This approach serves as an early intervention strategy to prevent young people from becoming involved in the youth justice system. To maintain engagement and positive relationships, holiday programs are also offered, as disengagement during school breaks can increase the risk of negative outcomes.
Drop in centers (Moorooka, Geebung, Redbank Plains)
The Village drop in centers provide a welcoming space where young people and community members can relax and feel safe. These centers are equipped with cultural musical instruments, activities for young people, and staffed support, offering a safe environment for them to drop in.
Drop in centers
(Moorooka, Geebung, Redbank Plains)
The Village drop in centers provide a welcoming space where young people and community members can relax and feel safe.
These centers are equipped with cultural musical instruments, activities for young people, and staffed support, offering a safe environment for them to drop in.
In addition to serving as a safe haven for youth, the centers are also used by both youth and community members for meetings, gatherings, and celebrations.
The centers aim to foster relationships between the older and younger generations, encouraging intergenerational connection and learning.
Community groups – Men and women groups
“It takes a village to raise a child,” which is why VSL offers community groups for men and women. These groups provide support to fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, and grandfathers who are involved in caring for young people.
Community groups – Men and women groups
“It takes a village to raise a child,” which is why VSL offers community groups for men and women. These groups provide support to fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, and grandfathers who are involved in caring for young people.
VSL conducts a variety of information sessions on topics such as child safety, visa requirements, youth justice, and the overall wellbeing of men and women within the African community through these weekly sessions.
If required participants are referred to specialized services to manage ongoing problems related to mental health, housing, domestic violence etc.
Homework Club
The Homework Club offers weekly sessions at our centers to engage and support young people with their academic needs, while also fostering positive relationships with VSL/AYSC mentors and other students.
Homework Club
The Homework Club offers weekly sessions at our centers to engage and support young people with their academic needs, while also fostering positive relationships with VSL/AYSC mentors and other students.
Each session concludes with cultural dancing or a recreational activity, providing a fun and engaging way to end the session.
Music studio
The Music Studio is not just about music; it is also a space for processing unresolved emotions and memories. Through songwriting and recording, young people are encouraged to explore their feelings, with the support of youth mentors guiding them through the emotional process.
Music studio
The Music Studio is not just about music; it is also a space for processing unresolved emotions and memories.
Through songwriting and recording, young people are encouraged to explore their feelings, with the support of youth mentors guiding them through the emotional process.
Additionally, VSL/AYSC creates opportunities for collaboration with other organizations, offering young people exposure and potential pathways to grow as emerging artists.
Support at the Juvenile
Detention Centers
VSL/AYSC provides support to young people from African backgrounds in juvenile detention centers, aiming to help them divert from the youth justice system. To achieve this, it is essential to shift their mindset.
Support at the Juvenile
Detention Centers
VSL/AYSC provides support to young people from African backgrounds in juvenile detention centers, aiming
to help them divert from the youth justice system.
To achieve this, it is essential to shift their mindset. By offering mental guidance and support, we help them reflect on their actions and understand that change is a conscious choice, not simply a result of circumstances.
This approach integrates cultural concepts, emphasizing personal responsibility, the importance of community, and the power of transformation through self awareness and positive decision making.
Additionally, we address frustrations that may escalate their behavior by providing support with managing cultural needs, such as hair care and access to cultural food, ensuring that these aspects of their identity are respected and maintained during their time in detention.
Fitness and wellbeing
Program
The boxing program is offered to young people, including those in the youth justice system, running four times a week. The primary focus of the program is not to develop boxing skills, but to promote exercise and healthy living, build trusting relationships with young people.
Fitness and wellbeing
Program
The boxing program is offered to young people, including those in the youth justice system, running four times a week.
The primary focus of the program is not to develop boxing skills, but to promote exercise and healthy living, build trusting relationships with young people.
It emphasizes that every skill, including boxing, comes with discipline and responsibility.
This program is designed for a group of low risk young people within the youth justice system.
The structured routine and regular engagement ensure that the young people stay occupied and motivated, fostering teamwork and collaboration among them.
Cultural group support
Our centers and some schools such as Redbank State High School spaces host weekly African cultural dance and language sessions. These sessions provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can celebrate their African heritage and pass down cultural traditions and practices to their children.
Cultural group support
Our centers and some schools such as Redbank State High School spaces host weekly African cultural dance and language sessions.
These sessions provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can celebrate their African heritage and pass down cultural traditions and practices to their children.