This project aims to create culturally and linguistically appropriate employment and career pathways for four vulnerable groups people seeking asylum, refugee-background youth, women with limited English, and newly arrived migrants by applying career construction theory to build understanding of Australia’s education and employment ecosystem. Through trauma-informed workshops and personalised counselling, participants will gain clarity, confidence, ...
Australia Afghanistan Initiative
Employment Mentor and Career Counselling for New Arrivals, Youth and Women
GOAL
$10,000
Australia > VIC > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and people from CALD backgrounds
- Women and girls
Australia Afghanistan Initiative
Founded in 2015, Australia Afghanistan Initiative (AAI) is a Victoria wide venture based in Dandenong seek to assist in bringing together and creating common ground among the many communities in this state.
Our Vision: A tolerant, pluralistic, free and well informed world where every person can live a safe and dignified life.
Our Mission: We regard our work as a contribution to the ocean of humanity. We want to increase the mutual understanding and we communicate with you by our heart.
Our values:
Humanity: we regard our work as a contribution to the ocean of humanity.
Understanding: we want to increase the mutual understanding. Communication: we communicate with you by our heart.
Our priorities/focus:
1. Promoting community harmony and social cohesion
2. Raising community awareness, promoting Australian's important national days ( Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day)
3. Reduce disadvantages through career counselling and employment projects
4. Advocacy to the Government on issues such as immigration
5. Supporting young people/children education in Afghanistan
Project Summary
This project aims to create culturally and linguistically appropriate employment and career pathways for four vulnerable groups people seeking asylum, refugee-background youth, women with limited English, and newly arrived migrants by applying career construction theory to build understanding of Australia’s education and employment ecosystem.
Through trauma-informed workshops and personalised counselling, participants will gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to pursue meaningful work and learning opportunities.
– People seeking asylum: No access to financial support; will receive tailored career
guidance and referral pathways to overcome systemic barriers to employment.
– Youth (18–25) from refugee backgrounds: Supported through career counselling, goal setting, and pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships, and further education.
– Women with limited English: Empowered through goal setting, vision-building, and access to education and employment pathways.
– Newly arrived humanitarian migrants: Provided with culturally responsive career
counselling to develop clarity, set goals, and navigate the Australian job market with confidence.
Target locations: Cities of Casey, Dandenong, Geelong and Shepperton
Project Outcomes
Outcome 1 – Skill Development
Participants will develop improved employability skills through targeted training and career counselling, enabling women with limited English, youth, and newly arrived migrants or refugees to better prepare for and access employment opportunities.
Outcome 2 – Entrepreneurial Support
Participants will strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities by applying mentorship, coaching, and business resources to rebuild confidence and re-establish or develop new business ventures.
Outcome 3 – Community Networking
Participants will build and utilise professional networks by connecting with employers, mentors, and industry professionals, enabling them to make informed career decisions and pursue sustainable career pathways while contributing to intercultural business and community innovation.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $39,998
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Scanlon Foundation | $30,000 |
| Funding Gap | $10,000 |
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