By Aaron Cordy
HOPE and connection can be hard to find for many youths in a digitalised world filled with anxiety. Masomo Mbele (School First) Foundation held ‘Empower the Future: Youth Conference’, last year to help be a positive change and help African youth in the community find their way in this diverse and contradictory country of Australia.
The Echo Hope Project aims to develop and empower young people and children to build inclusive communities, inspire them to learn more about themselves and their leadership potential, increase intercultural connections, participation in education and improve employment prospects. With a clear focus on keeping youth engaged in education and community, and away from the pitfalls of gangs and drugs.
Declo Bisimwa, founder of the Masomo Mbele Foundation, knows first-hand the fears and uncertainty of coming to Australia and adapting to life here. Channelling his own experience, through his foundation, he began the Echo Hope Project with programs like Homework Club, and the Youth Conference. An array of guest speakers, covering topics including building safe spaces, education, Skill building, leadership, social media, and cybersecurity.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors who have made this conference possible,” said Declo Bisimwa, on the conference’s success.
“A special thank you to the Greater Shepparton City Council for their unwavering support and commitment to the youth of our community. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Empowering Communities, the Department of Justice and Community Safety for their grant, which has directly contributed to the success of this conference and the whole Echo Hope Project’s initiatives since the project started last year. Lastly, we are incredibly grateful to Greater Shepparton Secondary College for generously offering their stadium for us to use as the venue for this empowering event, to our amazing volunteers and special guest speakers who made this event so special and memorable.”
To learn more about Masomo Mbele (School First) or get involved in this great organisation call 0459 999 813, email: masomombelefoundation@gmail.com follow Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/masomombelefoundation, visit, www.masomombelefoundation.org
