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Organisation of African Community of Western Australia Incorporated
In 2022, OACWA continued its mission to support, empower, and advocate for African communities in WA by deepening partnerships across the community sector and government. Key initiatives included strengthening the African Australian Youth Empowerment Program (AAYEP), collaborating with WA Police and multicultural stakeholders, and promoting parent education through culturally responsive forums. These efforts built trust and laid a strong foundation for future programs aimed at reducing social exclusion and improving outcomes for youth and families of African heritage. In 2022, OACWA made significant strides in delivering on its mission to empower African communities in Western Australia through advocacy, capacity building, and cultural celebration. The organisation focused particularly on youth empowerment, recognising that the longterm wellbeing of the community depends on how young people are supported today. Key highlights of the year included: African Australian Youth Empowerment Program (AAYEP): We expanded the reach of AAYEP, which supports young people of African heritage through mentoring, leadership development, and identitybuilding initiatives. This program helped reduce social isolation and promoted selfconfidence among participants. Community Education and Parenting Support: OACWA hosted a series of culturally responsive forums aimed at African parents, focusing on parenting in the Australian context, communication with teenagers, and navigating systems such as education and justice. Sector and Government Engagement: We began laying the groundwork for future partnerships by engaging with WA Police, local councils, and multicultural agencies. These conversations helped build trust and mutual understanding, and opened doors for collaborative approaches to early intervention and community safety. Volunteer Engagement: In 2022, we increased community participation by growing our volunteer base and providing capacitybuilding training to community leaders, enabling them to lead grassroots projects effectively. Through these efforts, OACWA strengthened its internal systems and deepened relationships across sectors all of which positioned the organisation to scale its impact in the years to come. The focus on youth, parenting, and early intervention in 2022 directly aligned with our mission to support a cohesive, empowered, and resilient African community in WA.