First run in 2019 as part of the Western Bulldogs’ African-Action plan, the free program pairs young people from the African-Australian community with a mentor who guides them through various theory and practical based activities and workshops across a six-month period.
The program is aimed at young people aged 13 to 15 and aims to create social capital by exploring topics such as ‘what it means to be a leader’, goal setting and connecting to cultures. The ultimate aim of the initiative is to improve engagement, employment and training outcomes for African-Australian youth in Melbourne’s west.
Mentors in the program range from AFL players, AFLW players and Community Mentors from the broader western Melbourne community, both African and non-African.
Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Youth and Schools Program Manager, Hannah Singleton said that it was exciting to have the program conducted in person after two COVID-19 affected years.
“We are so happy to have GOAL back for 2022, and after two years of running the program in a hybrid manner it’s going to be fantastic having it face to face this year,” she said.
Singleton is excited to build on the incredible outcomes the program has produced in past years.
“We’ve had so many success stories from GOAL over the years, not just from the participants but from the mentors too. Everyone involved benefits from the connection and engagement gained from their time in the program.”
The Program will start in the June/July school holidays in Footscray, with sessions delivered across term 3 and into the September holidays. Registrations are now open here.
Buku Khamis’ football career – and life for that matter – began as a journey so far to say the least.
Arriving in Australia as a six-year-old from South Sudan, part of his upbringing involved time in a Kenyan refugee camp.
In his last year of primary school, Buku got his first taste of footy while on an excursion – funnily enough, at a Western Bulldogs’ AFL game.
Little did he know that close to 10 years later, he’d get his own opportunity to run out in the red, white and blue.
“I always felt he would make it if we gave him the time and we continued to invest, so to see that come to fruition is a pretty good day,” Bulldogs’ Next Generation Academy Manager Dave Newton said.
“I think his story is testament to what is required and the support that is required for a lot of these kids from migrant backgrounds.”
Buku began playing junior footy at St Albans, representing the WRFL in interleague football before moving through the Western Jets’ NAB League pathway.
It was around this time he also got involved in the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s CALDPlay Junior program (formerly Ready SETTLE Go), and joined the Bulldogs’ Next Generation Academy.
Newton remembers the first time he watched Buku play.
“His athleticism was one thing that stood out – I reckon he played ruck the first time I saw him,” Newton said.
“His fundamentals were sound. He’s always been a pretty good kick at the footy, but when he started in our program it was something we continued to work on.
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