Registrations are now open for the 2022 edition of the GOAL Mentoring program, run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. 

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.