Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

The Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) is a transformative movement empowering local African-Australian youth through mentorship, education, and community support.

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March 26, 2025

In the heart of Melton, an organisation is making a transformative impact on young African Australians. The Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) is not just a community initiative—it’s a movement dedicated to mentorship, education, and empowerment. Co-founded by Robiel Abraham and Aken Agnok , ASPYA emerged out of necessity following the tragic loss of a childhood friend. This moment of grief sparked a mission: to create a supportive environment where young African Australians can access opportunities and resources that are often out of reach.

From a Vision to a Movement

The foundation began as the African Youth Initiative (AYI) with a simple yet powerful goal—providing young people with the guidance and support that they lacked. "We just wanted to do something about it. We didn’t know anything about running an organisation. We were just university students who had come out of high school," said Malou Lueth, ASPYA’s Treasurer. Initially, the team focused on engaging schools and community programs. Their efforts quickly gained momentum, attracting recognition from local governments and organisations that encouraged them to formalize their operations. Today, ASPYA has grown to offer a diverse range of programs aimed at bridging gaps in education, mentorship, and professional development.

"We didn’t know anything about running an organisation. We were just university students who had come out of high school."

Building a Strong Community

One of ASPYA’s greatest strengths is its dedicated team, consisting of diverse young professionals. While its leadership is rooted in African heritage, the organisation welcomes anyone who genuinely cares about uplifting the community. "Our thing is: are you someone that cares genuinely about our community? And are you someone that’ll put your hand up, not only put your hand up, but get your hands dirty and do the work?" said Robiel Abraham, co-founder and CEO of ASPYA.

The evolution of ASPYA has been remarkable. From grassroots engagement, they have expanded to formal partnerships with the state government, local councils, and various educational institutions. Their work now includes cultural training for teachers, school programs, and professional mentoring, all of which contribute to a brighter future for African Australian youth.

Why the Name Change?

The transition from African Youth Initiative (AYI) to Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) was both strategic and symbolic. "African Youth Initiative was always a placeholder name until we found something perfect for us. We wanted a name that reflected action," said Robiel Abraham. "Aspiring means we’re doing it - we’re acting on our goals, but we’re also helping young Africans aspire to be better." The change signifies a long-term vision and a commitment to sustained impact.

Programs That Change Lives

ASPYA offers a variety of initiatives tailored to the needs of African Australian youth in Melton and beyond, including:

  • Educational Support: Programs like Someone to Aspire After (STAA) offer free tutoring and mentoring for VCE students, led by past high achievers.
  • Mentorship and Leadership: Workshops on cultural identity, mental health, and professional development help students build confidence and skills.
  • Community Engagement: Collaborations with groups  like Faithful Coalition support mentorship programs for young men and women.
  • Safe Spaces: ASPYA has secured its own office, providing a dedicated space where young Africans can connect, learn, and grow.
  • Sports and Wellbeing: Programs such as Home Court and the African Women’s Fitness Program that aims to  promote physical health and community bonding.
  • Professional Networking: Events like Meet Your Match connect young people with successful African Australian professionals in law, medicine, business, and other fields.
Someone to Aspire After tutors

Success Stories and Lasting Impact

ASPYA’s work has already touched thousands of lives. One standout story involves five young men from the Faithful Coalition program who transitioned from volunteering to securing full-time employment—an example of the foundation’s commitment to real, measurable outcomes. "These were young people who had just come out of high school, and through volunteering with us, they were able to gain full-time employment," said Malou Lueth. "That’s our goal—to show young people that hard work and volunteering pay off."

Another success came through their Reclaim Voices Project, a documentary screening that gained nationwide recognition, even being showcased by ABC News, one of Australia's largest news platforms. The project not only amplified community narratives but also fostered healing and inspired meaningful dialogue across the country. "That project helped bring collective healing and a spirit of change within Melton," added Robiel Abraham.

The foundation also plays a crucial role in tackling community challenges, particularly mentorship gaps, disengagement in schools, and mental health struggles. By addressing these issues at their roots, ASPYA provides young people with the tools they need to build brighter futures.

Akur is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, and loves to amplify positive stories through writing and community leadership.

In the heart of Melton, an organisation is making a transformative impact on young African Australians. The Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) is not just a community initiative—it’s a movement dedicated to mentorship, education, and empowerment. Co-founded by Robiel Abraham and Aken Agnok , ASPYA emerged out of necessity following the tragic loss of a childhood friend. This moment of grief sparked a mission: to create a supportive environment where young African Australians can access opportunities and resources that are often out of reach.

From a Vision to a Movement

The foundation began as the African Youth Initiative (AYI) with a simple yet powerful goal—providing young people with the guidance and support that they lacked. "We just wanted to do something about it. We didn’t know anything about running an organisation. We were just university students who had come out of high school," said Malou Lueth, ASPYA’s Treasurer. Initially, the team focused on engaging schools and community programs. Their efforts quickly gained momentum, attracting recognition from local governments and organisations that encouraged them to formalize their operations. Today, ASPYA has grown to offer a diverse range of programs aimed at bridging gaps in education, mentorship, and professional development.

Akur Magot
is a journalist at Good News Melton. She ipsum ultricies aptent sollicitudin est congue. You can find her stories here.

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