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SWDA
Empowering communitiesacross Victoria
Get Involved
Volunteer, partner or donate.
Help us continue supporting African Australian women, families and youth across Victoria.
Support SWDA
Get Involved — Make a Difference
Help us keep the Homework Club, Emergency Food Relief and community celebrations running for African Australian families across Victoria.
Student Placements & Volunteer Opportunities
Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. (SWDA) is committed to developing the next generation of skilled and culturally responsive professionals by offering meaningful placement and volunteer opportunities for domestic and international students, as well as community members seeking practical experience.
We provide high-quality supervised placements for students undertaking studies in social work, community services, human services, youth work, counselling, psychology, public health, community development, and related disciplines. Students gain valuable hands-on experience while supporting refugee, migrant, and multicultural communities across Victoria.
Our Education Partners
SWDA is proud to partner with leading education institutions, including:
- Victoria University — Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Community Development student placements.
- ACAP University College — Social Work and Community Services student placements.
- Federation University — Master of Social Work student placements.
We also provide structured work experience placements for:
- Year 10 secondary school students
- Year 11 secondary school students
- TAFE and vocational education students (where appropriate)
What Students Do
Students are supervised by experienced professionals and have opportunities to contribute to a wide range of community programs and services, including:
- Settlement and community support
- Case management and advocacy
- Youth development programs
- Women’s leadership and empowerment
- Family violence prevention and support
- Mental health and wellbeing initiatives
- Employment Brokers Programs supporting African Australian jobseekers
- Educational support — Homework Club and skill pathways (short courses)
- Community engagement and events
- Research, project development, and program evaluation
Our placements are designed to strengthen professional practice, leadership, cultural competence, communication skills, and ethical decision-making while preparing students for successful careers in the community and human services sector.
Volunteer and Work Experience Opportunities
SWDA welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about supporting multicultural communities. We offer meaningful volunteer opportunities that allow individuals to develop practical skills, gain Australian workplace experience, and make a positive contribution to the community.
We also support eligible job seekers who wish to undertake volunteer work to meet their mutual obligation requirements through Services Australia (Centrelink), where appropriate and in accordance with applicable Australian Government social security requirements. These opportunities provide participants with valuable workplace experience, increased confidence, and pathways towards employment and further education.
Partner with SWDA
SWDA welcomes partnerships with universities, TAFEs, schools, employment service providers, and training organisations to deliver quality placement and volunteer experiences that benefit both participants and the communities we serve.
For enquiries about student placements, work experience, or volunteer opportunities, please contact our team at admin@swdai.org.au.
How We Help
Culturally responsive, person-centred support for every stage of life.
SWDA supports individuals, young people, families, older adults, and communities through culturally responsive, person-centred, and trauma-informed programs that promote wellbeing, inclusion, empowerment, and social connection.
We work alongside people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, including children, young people, women, families, older people, and people with disability, by providing practical support, advocacy, information, and pathways to opportunities.
Our Core Services
Practical support, advocacy, and pathways to opportunity.
- Settlement and Community Support — information, essential services and community connections that build stability and belonging.
- Educational Support – Homework Club — learning assistance, mentoring and positive educational pathways.
- Employment Support and Pathways — career planning, skills development, training and job connections.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support — culturally safe support, information and referrals.
- Family Violence Support — confidential support, advocacy, safety planning and referrals.
- Emergency Food Security — food relief and practical support during hardship.
- Housing Advocacy and Support — help to navigate housing challenges and connect with services.
- Community Engagement and Events — connection, participation, leadership and social inclusion.
For more than 20 years, SWDA has been committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where individuals and families can access support, build confidence, strengthen connections, and achieve their goals.
Emergency Food Security Relief
Food relief and practical support for families experiencing hardship.
Providing emergency food relief and practical support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship.
SWDA's Emergency Food Security Program provides culturally responsive food relief, essential groceries, and referrals to support services, helping people meet their immediate needs while connecting them with pathways to long-term wellbeing, stability, and community support.
SWDA Homework Club
Educational support, tutoring and pathways for students and volunteers.
SWDA Homework Club (SWDAHC) is the first Homework Club program designed specifically for students living in North Melbourne, Kensington, Carlton, Flemington, Ascot Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Footscray and surrounding areas. It was established in January 2007 at Community Hub, Ground Floor, 12 Holland Court, Flemington VIC 3031.
Program Overview
SWDA Homework Club delivers regular online tutoring via Zoom from Monday to Sunday and in-person tutoring every Wednesday and Thursday. Sessions run from 5pm to 7pm during school terms and school holidays. The program provides a culturally safe entry point for emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities and all young people in the local area, with access to educational support, resources and tutoring to continue their learning journey.
Our Purpose
At SWDA, our purpose is to promote, develop and encourage the wellbeing of young people by providing, facilitating, planning and advocating for the needs and issues of young people, their families and the wider community.
SWDA Homework Club is bound by our Child Safe Standards Policy, Reportable Conduct Policy and Victoria’s Child Safe Standards, and follows Victorian Government service agreement policies, procedures and guidelines around crisis support and intervention.
Volunteer Tutor Opportunities
Suitable for volunteers or people studying community services, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Youth Work, Bachelor of Social Work or another relevant course. This opportunity may count towards student placement hours where relevant.
- Experience working with community groups
- Experience working with young people
- Practical experience to include on your CV
- 2 hours per week every Wednesday or Thursday, 5pm–7pm
- Location: SWDA Office, 15 Stubbs St, Kensington VIC 3031
Requirements
- Complete a fit to work process, including police and Working with Children checks
- Work within SWDA Child Safe Standards and legislative requirements
- Support students from Grade 1–6 and Year 7–12 with homework and assignments
- Build positive relationships with young people, parents, tutors and staff
- Work both independently and as part of a team in culturally appropriate ways
- Assist with administrative and evaluation tasks when required
Placements for Tertiary Students
If you are undertaking an approved Social Work, Youth Work, Education or Community Development course, consider a student placement with our Youth Services team. Participants learn what a local community organisation offers young people through Somali Women Development Association Inc. Work experience for secondary students is also available.
Placements are available for 8 hours per day, generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday at Office 4, 12 Holland Court, Flemington, and Office 15 Stubbs St, Kensington. Homework Club hours are generally 5pm to 7pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Block placements are negotiable for research projects or office-based placements only. Priority is given to students in approved university courses, and applications should be submitted at least 1 month before placement starts.
Enrol in Homework Club
Enrol a student, apply to volunteer, or ask about a student placement.
Refugee Week 2026
SWDA Refugee Week Celebration — 20 June 2026
SWDA proudly celebrated Refugee Week on 20 June 2026, in recognition of World Refugee Day under the global theme “Until Everyone is Safe.”
This important occasion honours the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees and people seeking asylum, while also recognising their valuable contributions to our community and to Australia.
Through this celebration, SWDA continues its commitment to inclusion, cultural diversity, and social connection, bringing together families, community members, and partners to share stories and stand in solidarity.
Together, we continue to work towards a future where everyone is safe, welcomed, and belongs.
- Solidarity
- Empathy
- Inclusion
- Dignity
- Hope
86¢
of every $1
Your support goes directly to the community.
We thank all of our contributors for their enduring support. For every $1 raised from our government and corporate partners, trusts, foundations and individual supporters, 86 cents is spent directly on programs that assist disadvantaged people in our community.
How to Get Involved
Events
Register for the National Conference, 2026
Join community leaders, practitioners, partners and young people for the SWDA National Conference 2026 — a day of shared learning, cultural connection and community-led change.
The conference brings together African Australian communities, government and service partners to share practice, celebrate achievements and shape the next chapter of culturally responsive support in Australia.
- Keynote sessions on settlement, employment, education and wellbeing
- Community and youth panels, workshops and networking
- Cultural celebration and gala dinner
Register your interest: call 03 8596 7651 or email admin@swdai.org.au.