Big Brother helps local youth

Toowoomba’s support for young people has expanded with an innovative resource that helps the region’s African-Australian communities.

The Guide for African-Australian Youth Mentoring was launched at a celebration at Mercy Family Services Toowoomba attended by community leaders, agencies and organisations.

Trevor Watts, MP, Member for North Toowoomba, in launching the Guide, praised the South Sudanese community’s contribution to the region’s economy and culture.

‘We’re all Queenslanders and we value the work of all our communities’, said Mr Watts.

Ajak Biar, South Sudanese elder, outlined the Big Brother Program which mentors South Sudanese young people in education and employment.

Garry Page, Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs Queensland, highlighted the role of Toowoomba projects, such as the Walking to Freedom book, speakers bureau for schools and the Big Brother youth project – all carried out by the South Sudanese community.

The Big Brother Project was funded by Multicultural Affairs Queensland. The guide for youth mentoring was funded by Mercy Family Services Toowoomba.