Our Programs
From the SWDA Homework Club to Emergency Food Relief and the Multicultural Eid Festival.
SWDA Homework Club
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact SWDA about Homework Club volunteering, student placements or tutoring support.
SWDA 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.
Delivery sites
Cooked meals provided so far
Grocery food deliveries each week
Grocery food and nutrition meals each month
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
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.
Community celebrations, family days, youth activities and cultural events delivered with and for our communities across Victoria.
Youth Programs
SWDA delivers youth programs that promote wellbeing, build connections and create opportunities for everyone — from monthly Game’s Day sports and recreation to mentoring, homework support and leadership development for young African Australians.
A day of laughter, teamwork and memorable moments for everyone, with tug of war, relay races, Dod Geb and many more activities.
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: Kensington Recreation Centre, Cnr Wellington St & Doncaster Ave, Kensington
Young people are matched with mentors and tutors through the SWDA Homework Club and youth engagement sessions, building study skills, confidence and pathways into further education, training and employment.
Program Coordinator: Fahan Ahmed · 0412 722 119
Email: admin@swdai.org.au
Elders’ Activities
SWDA runs regular social and wellbeing activities for older members of the African Australian community — keeping elders connected, active and supported in language and culture.
Activities run from our Kensington and Flemington offices and nearby community venues, with bilingual staff and volunteers supporting every session.
Enquiries: (03) 8596 7765 · admin@swdai.org.au
Join or volunteerWe 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
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.
Register your interest: call 03 8596 7651 or email admin@swdai.org.au.
