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youth
ARA believes every young person should have the chance to thrive and shine. If you’ve recently arrived in Australia with your family, our programs and services can support you to overcome challenges and build your social confidence. We’re here to help you dream big, shoot for and achieve your goals!
Through ARA, there are opportunities for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to become leaders, volunteers and enthusiastic, proactive members of your communities.
Our programs focus on safety and overall well-being, as well as offer pathways to education and employment opportunities.
Youth Hangout Program
Did someone say free snacks? The Hangout Program is a safe and inclusive space for 12 to 20 year-olds. The program is free and takes place at Twelve25 Youth Centre in Salisbury.
Offering activities that promote good mental health and physical well-being, Hangout is also about encouraging positive relationships and beneficial connections.
Guided by a trained youth facilitator and volunteers, the program provides socialisation, education and can connect young people to other useful services if you need them.
Other Hangout highlights include:
- Peer-to-peer icebreakers
- Activities, games and cooking
- Guest speakers
- Art and crafts
- Outdoor activities
Homework Club
Are you a teenager who’s recently arrived in Australia with your family? ARA’s Homework Club is a safe and vibrant place where you can access support with finishing your high school education and moving on to a job, or further education.
We have a team of dedicated volunteers who help with reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, while also giving you a better understanding of how the Australian education system works.
Tutoring is also available, both online and at these locations in the Adelaide metropolitan area:
- Twelve25 Youth Centre (Salisbury)
- Enfield Library
- Salisbury Community Hub
- Playford Library (Elizabeth)
Homework Club is open to young people who have lived in Australia for less than seven years.
School Holiday Programs
Making friends while enjoying fun and educational activities is what ARA’s school holiday programs are all about. We design these programs with the involvement of local young people, so you can be sure they’re extremely cool and exciting!
Given most parents still need to work during holidays, these programs provide a safe way for children to make new connections and explore their local community when school is out.
Some of our recent activities include rock climbing, picnics, cooking classes, sports, hiking, art and ice skating.
Youth Connect
Adjusting and feeling a sense of belonging can be challenging if you’re young and new to Australia. You may be dealing with issues such as racism, family conflict, mental health struggles and low self-confidence, which can often lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the school system.
Youth Connect is here to help. Through this ARA program, you’ll be paired with a bi-cultural case manager and can access mentoring, group activities and workshops. Your case manager can connect you with relevant programs and services for your situation, to help with your specific needs.
Together we work on building well-being and confidence, to improve social and economic participation and reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and the consequences of wrong choices.
Youth Connect receives funding from the Australian Government’s Safer Communities stream.
Youth Ambassador Program (YAP)
The ARA Youth Ambassador Program is open to students in Year 10 and 11 at participating high schools. Its aim is to empower students to become advocates for positive change in their schools and communities, by promoting understanding of the global refugee experience, the importance of inclusion and the innate value of cultural diversity.
The year-long program supports students and staff to further explore their ideas and experiences around identity, belonging and advocacy for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Benefits include the opportunity to build friendships and confidence, as well as develop valuable skills like public speaking, creative advocacy and fundraising. Youth Ambassadors receives funding from the Milner Road Foundation.