About Us

The Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity (AAFRO) is a new organization created and driven by African communities in Melbourne to build a bridge between young people of African descent and the wider Australian community.
The organization hosts forums and activities to promote positive mutual engagement with schools, and the local community with the aim of securing partnerships and sponsorship of educational programs, skills workshops and community outreach in order to advance the self-development of young African Australians and their families.
AAFRO takes a holistic approach to developing young African Australians, through an emphasis on educational assistance, work and life skills, the family environment and wider community.

In order for the organization to fulfill its long-term goals, AAFRO is seeking funding for activities and resources with the following objectives:

• To identify the educational and vocational difficulties faced by young people of African descent in Melbourne, and to provide counseling, drop-in facilities, out of hours learning and literacy programs, and skill development activities that will engage young people in a safe and positive environment.

• To achieve an increase in the retention of young people of African descent in the Victorian secondary school system, and help provide pathways to further study through University or TAFE, or transition to work.

• To encourage the families of young people from African communities in Melbourne to be fully engaged in their children's education and development, by involving them in learning activities, promoting a positive relationship with schools, and providing educational support and advice to large families in particular.

• To contribute to conflict and crime reduction by promoting greater understanding of African communities by schools, police and local government in Melbourne, encouraging positive engagement from the African communities, and providing a point of contact between the two.