Our Programs

Education, food relief, and cultural celebration.

From the SWDA Homework Club to Emergency Food Relief and the Multicultural Eid Festival.

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.

SWDA Homework Club children drawing and learning together with tutors and mentors

Homework Club youth participants gathered at SWDA for a mentoring session

Students and tutors working together at the SWDA Homework Club

SWDA Homework Club participants learning together with mentors

One-on-one tutoring at the SWDA Homework Club

SWDA Homework Club students and tutors in session

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.

University placement students and Employment Brokers participants together at an SWDA community event

University students on placement at an SWDA partner community office

University placement students sharing a meal during an SWDA community session

Placement students and community members together at an SWDA workshop lunch

To apply or find out more

Contact SWDA about Homework Club volunteering, student placements or tutoring support.

admin@swdai.org.au
0432 231 141

SWDA Emergency Food Relief

Emergency Food Relief

SWDA has been supporting families and individuals facing financial difficulties and food insecurity. Through our Emergency Food Relief program, we provide practical, dignified food support that respects cultural preferences and helps households put nourishing meals on the table.

What We Provide

Cooked meals – Ready-to-eat, freshly prepared meals for individuals and families who need immediate food support.
Cultural nutrition – Culturally appropriate food and ingredients that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the communities we serve.
Groceries and food hampers – Essential pantry items, fresh produce, and household staples to help families meet their weekly needs.

20% 15

Delivery sites

68% 3,600

Cooked meals provided so far

85% 200

Grocery food deliveries each week

65% 800

Grocery food and nutrition meals each month

SWDA volunteer handing over a food relief parcel at the Kensington office

Pallets of donated pantry staples and drinks ready for distribution

SWDA team packing food relief hampers for families in need

Bags of fresh groceries sorted for community food relief delivery

SWDA and North Melbourne Rotary running a community food relief stall

Community member collecting an emergency food relief box from SWDA

Expressions of Interest: Volunteers Needed

The Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. invites expressions of interest from dedicated and passionate individuals to join our volunteer team. By volunteering with us, you will contribute to meaningful programs that support and empower our community.

To express your interest or learn more, please contact us today.

Email: admin@swdai.org.au Phone: (03) 8596 7651

Community Celebration

Multicultural Eid Al Fitr & Eid Al Adha Festival

The Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. (SWDA) has proudly delivered the Multicultural Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha Festival in Flemington and North Melbourne for over 16 years.

This long-standing community celebration brings together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Eid, cultural diversity, unity, and inclusion. The festival features family-friendly activities, cultural performances, food, and opportunities for community connection and engagement.

For the past 4 years, SWDA has also hosted a dedicated Multicultural Eid Al Fitr Women’s Only Celebration, providing a safe and welcoming space for women and girls to celebrate Eid, build connections, and access community support in a culturally respectful environment.

These events continue to strengthen community harmony, promote belonging, and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of multicultural communities across Victoria.

SWDA community members and families together at the Multicultural Eid Festival

Families enjoying the SWDA Multicultural Eid Festival outdoors

Festival tents and community gatherings at the Multicultural Eid Festival

Community members celebrating together at the Multicultural Eid Festival

Colourful festival tents at the SWDA Multicultural Eid Festival

SWDA festival booth at the Multicultural Eid celebration

Wide view of the SWDA Multicultural Eid Festival community gathering

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