ABSTRACT
The African Liaison Programme being implemented in several Melbourne secondary colleges seeks to engage and retain African-Australian students and their families in the education system. To address core systemic issues, e.g. challenging and disruptive behaviours and absenteeism, the programme focuses on developing strong partnerships between parents, students, and teachers. The programme challenges the social dominance of normative educational constructs by giving voice to African students and their families through mediums including physical activity, arts, and media studies. Two full-time African Liaison Officers mentor the African-Australian students and develop educational cross-cultural services. The programme supports the students to complete the Victorian Certificate of Education and move into further education. In addition, the programme creates community relationships that extend outside the school curriculum to prevent youth navigating towards gangs and crime, to improve their education outcomes, and to facilitate constructive contributions to the economy as productive citizens.
