The Mentor Me Reconnect Program (MMRP) is a culturally responsive mentoring
initiative designed to prevent anti-social and criminal behaviour, substance abuse, and school
disengagement, while promoting participation in education, sport, and recreational activities.
The program operates in partnership with key stakeholders, including the WA Department of
Justice, WA Police, the Department of Communities (Child Protection), local schools across
the Perth metropolitan area, and the Juvenile Court/Justice System.
Grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the program emphasizes the
interconnectedness of individuals, families, and communities. As highlighted by the
University of Melbourne (2020), the Ubuntu framework of support comprises three key
elements:
1. The African Australian individual
2. Connection with family
3. Engagement with community
A structured, community-driven initiative designed to equip mentors with culturally appropriate skills, tools, and knowledge, enabling
them to effectively support and guide the mentees toward personal development,
educational success, and professional growth.
Programs that are structured, classroom-based initiatives designed to provide students with supportive environments that foster academic achievement, self-esteem, confidence, life skills, social-emotional well-being, and positive engagement.
This are programs that are Culturally grounded, African-oriented initiatives
that promote independency, respect, and community values, while promoting positive lifestyle choices through one-to-one and group mentoring, creative arts projects, and
active community engagement.
It is a platform that brings together trained mentors to provide mentoring, coaching, and holistic support, empowering community members to achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.
Existing participants of a current OACWA mentorship program, namely “Stop the Violence” will be provided with the opportunity to broaden their mentorship skills through specialised training aimed at working with young people at risk and in the justice system.
This program aims to ensure that through the provision of appropriate mentoring, young people at risk will be diverted from involvement with the juvenile justice system and will become more integrated into the community.
This program is targeted towards young African people who are in contact with the Justice system either cautioned, on bail or community supervisions orders, in prison or recently released from prison.
Supporting African young people, families, and communities in recognizing that crime and opportunity are inextricably linked and invest in building their skills to enhance positive development that reduces the likelihood of involvement in the justice system through:
