Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Holt is blessed to have numerous organisations and individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our community is safe, supportive and welcoming. A fortnight ago I had the opportunity to witness Multicultural Youth Support Services' incredible homework club at Tulliallan Primary School in my electorate. This program helps to improve English, math and science scores at school and to reduce disadvantages faced due to their parents' limited experience with the Australian education system. MYSS focuses on addressing youth disengagement and barriers to inclusiveness among African-origin youth in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It was founded by Peter Aguto, a humanitarian entrant from South Sudan who wants to make sure other African-origin youth do not face the same difficulties he once did. This is through a range of initiatives aimed at providing holistic support which complements every aspect of an individual's life, including regular sporting activities, education about mental health and employment services such as resume help and information about job paths. For this incredible work MYSS was awarded the 2021 Community Group of the Year Award by the City of Casey. I was pleased to nominate them for funding through the Holt volunteers program.

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