Mentorship Programs: Providing mentorship and career guidance to young Zambians in South Australia to help them achieve their educational and career goals.
Zambian Association of South Australia
Activities & Programs
Zambian Association of South Australia
Activities & Programs
As a multicultural association of Zambians in South Australia, the following are some of the activities that we organise:
Community Outreach Programs: Organising community outreach programs such as charity events, fundraising, and donations to support local communities and organisations.
Educational Programs: Hosting educational programs such as seminars, workshops, and conferences to share knowledge and experiences on Zambian culture, history, and traditions, and community financial wellbeing.
Social and Networking Events: Organising social and networking events such as dinners, parties, and picnics to provide opportunities for members to connect, socialize and build relationships.
Language and Cultural Exchange: Hosting language and cultural exchange programs to facilitate the learning of Zambian languages, cultural practices, and beliefs.
Advocacy and Support: Advocating for the rights and needs of Zambians in South Australia and providing support and resources to help them integrate and thrive in their new home.
Sports and Recreational Activities: Participating in or Organising sports tournaments and recreational activities to bring together Zambians and other community members to engage in healthy competition and fun.
Cultural Festivals: Participating in or organising cultural festivals to showcase Zambian heritage and traditions such as food, music, dance, and dress.
Community
Strategic Plan
To achieve the purpose, vision and programs of ZASA, the following strategic plan has been formulated by the Executive Committee members in consultation with the Zambian community through community meetings.
Mentorship
Programs
ZASA recognises the importance of mentorship programs in empowering the youth and creating a pipeline of future leaders for the community. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives. By following this strategic plan, we hope to establish a successful and sustainable mentorship program that will empower our youth and create a pipeline of future leaders for the Zambian community in South Australia.
- To provide one-on-one mentorship to Zambian youth in South Australia. The ZASA Executive Committee will identify and recruit mentors, mentees from within the community and match mentors with mentees based on their academic and professional interests.
- To provide career guidance and advice on academic and professional development.
- To build a network of mentors and mentees within the Zambian community in South Australia.
- To increase opportunities for Zambian youth to learn from experienced professionals in their fields of interest.
- To promote the importance of mentorship and its impact on personal and professional development.
- To partner with organisations to provide mentorship training to mentors, to ensure that they have the necessary skills to provide effective guidance and support to their mentees.
Community
Outreach Programs
ZASA recognises the importance of community outreach programs in promoting our culture, engaging with the broader SA community, and fostering social cohesion. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives:
- To develop and establish a community outreach program plan that outlines the program goals, objectives, and activities to raise awareness of Zambian culture and traditions in the broader community in South Australia.
- To promote cultural exchange and understanding between the Zambian community and the broader community in South Australia by identifying and targeting organisations, events, and opportunities for outreach.
- To engage with other multicultural organisations in South Australia to promote diversity and social cohesion.
- To provide opportunities for Zambian youth to learn and share their cultural heritage.
- To increase visibility and membership of the Zambian Association of South Australia by organising events, workshops, and other activities that engage with the broader community in South Australia.
Educational
Programs
ZASA recognises the importance of education in promoting the growth and development of individuals, families, and communities. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives.
- To organise events and activities to provide and promote academic and educational support to Zambian students in South Australia.
- To promote academic excellence and encourage students to pursue higher education.
- To foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for social and cultural engagement.
- To provide information and resources on education and career pathways.
- Financial wellbeing: Promoting financial wellbeing in a community is an important way to help individuals and families build financial stability and security.
- ZASA will employ the following ways to promote financial wellbeing in the community:
- Financial education: Offer financial education classes and workshops to community members. These will cover topics such as saving, debt management, and investing.
- Financial counselling: Encourage families to seek financial counselling if they need assistance with debt management or other financial issues.
- Access to financial services: Work with local banks and credit unions to promote access to financial services for all community members, regardless of income or credit history.
- Job training and employment services: Identify organisations who can provide job training and employment services to help community members increase their earning potential and improve their financial stability.
- Affordable housing: Promote access to affordable housing options in the community to help reduce housing costs and increase disposable income for community members.
- Tax assistance: Help new community members (especially new student arrivals) file their taxes and access tax credits and deductions that can help them save money.
Social &
Networking Events
ZASA recognises the importance of social and networking events in promoting community engagement and creating opportunities for members to network, socialize, and build relationships. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives.
- To create opportunities for members to network and build relationships. A calendar of events that includes social, cultural, and networking events (such as, Tours to National Parks, Tours to Safari Parks, Lunches/Dinner Days, Meet and Greet, business and career development networking events) is developed each year and shared to the community.
- To promote a sense of community and belonging among Zambian members.
- To celebrate Zambian culture and heritage through social and cultural events. Organise events that celebrate Zambian culture and heritage, such as cultural festivals, food events, and music events.
- To provide opportunities for members to socialise and have fun.
Zambian Language
& Cultural Exchange
ZASA recognises the importance of preserving and promoting Zambian language and culture among its members and the broader community. This strategic plan will focus on the following key areas.
- To promote and preserve Zambian culture and heritage among ZASA members and the broader South Australian community through a Zambian language and cultural exchange program.
- To provide opportunities for members to learn and practice Zambian languages. ZASA will develop language and cultural exchange activities, such as language classes (including Lozi, Chewa/Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba, Lunda) and provide resources to members to learn and practice Zambian languages, such as language learning materials and online resources.
- To promote cross-cultural understanding and diversity by developing partnerships with other organisations to support and sponsor language and cultural exchange activities.
Advocacy
& Support
ZASA recognises the need for advocacy and support services to our members and the broader Zambian community in South Australia. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives.
- To provide information and support services to Zambians in South Australia, including information on immigration, employment, and education.
- To advocate for the rights and interests of Zambians in South Australia, including issues related to discrimination, social justice, and equality.
- To develop partnerships with other organisations to enhance advocacy and support services for Zambians in South Australia.
Sports &
Recreational Activities
ZASA recognises the importance of sports and recreational activities in promoting physical health, social connections, and cultural identity among our members and the broader Zambian community. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives:
- To organise a range of sports and recreational activities that cater to the diverse interests and needs of our community, including soccer (football), netball, volleyball, basketball, and cultural activities such as traditional dance and music. Encourage members to form exercise/walk/hiking groups.
- To promote active participation in sports and recreational activities among our members and the broader multicultural community in South Australia. ZASA encourages members to participates in the annual African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition run by the African Communities Council of South Australia (ACCSA), as well as the Football South Australia. Founded in 2001, AFCON competition draws more than 20 teams, representing their home nations, to compete. ZASA will develop partnerships with other organisations to provide resources and support for sports and recreational activities, such as access to sports facilities, equipment, and coaching. ZASA will solicit donations from local businesses and individuals or apply for grants to purchase equipment for community use.
- To enhance social connections and cultural identity among our members and the broader Zambian community through sports and recreational activities. ZASA will develop a system for identifying and addressing barriers to participation, such as financial constraints, and transportation issues.
Cultural
Festivals
ZASA recognises the importance of cultural festivals in promoting cultural identity, unity, and understanding among our members and the broader community. This strategic plan will focus on the following key program goals and objectives.
- To organise cultural festivals that showcase and reflect the diversity of Zambian culture and traditions, such as food, music, dance, fashion, and art. Key cultural festivals that are relevant to Zambian culture and traditions include Independence Day, traditional ceremonies, and cultural holidays.
- To provide opportunities for our members and the broader community to learn about Zambian culture and traditions and engage in intercultural exchange.
- To foster unity and understanding among our members and the broader community through cultural festivals.