Funding boost for South Sudanese volunteer groups

Sunday, 9 July 2023

A project aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and competency by promoting available volunteer opportunities through targeted recruitment processes has been awarded a NSW Government grant through the inaugural Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants program.

Run by the South Sudanese Community and Youth Association of NSW, the South Sudanese and CALD Communities Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Project will emphasise volunteer recognition, retention, and support through training and engagement, with a focus on building strong volunteer relationships.

The Minister with responsibility for Volunteering Jodie Harrison said this is just one of 23 projects that have each received up to $25,000 through the program, which has a goal of encouraging volunteers from diverse communities across the state.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of every community,” Minister Harrison said. “NSW is the best place to live and work in the world, and this is thanks to the selfless efforts of almost five million volunteers who contribute more than 1.5 billion hours of their time each year.”

“Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a range of skills and experience and this grants program aims to tap into the wonderfully diverse communities of NSW.

“The South Sudanese and CALD Communities Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Project is an important initiative to encourage more diverse people into volunteering in their communities and to recognise the valuable contributions that they make.”

South Sudanese Community and Youth Association of NSW President Arek Desak said, “We are grateful to the NSW Government for awarding our South Sudanese Community and Youth Association of NSW the $23,520 for our South Sudanese and CALD Communities Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Project through the Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grant program.

“Overall, the project seeks to empower the South Sudanese and CALD communities to engage in volunteering and contribute to their local communities.

“To enhance cultural awareness and competency, we will work closely with the South Sudanese and CALD communities to identify and address cultural barriers to volunteering. This will include implementing volunteer recognition programs, developing volunteer training programs, and providing ongoing support and engagement opportunities.”

The Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants program is a pilot initiative under the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-30. For more information and details about each funded project, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/volunteering-diversity-and-inclusion-grants-program.