Africa Youth Collective Inc (AYC)

As someone who grew up as a refugee, I know firsthand what it means to survive displacement and struggle for dignity. Humanity helped me when I needed it most, and I’ve carried a deep sense of responsibility to give back ever since. That sense of duty led me to establish Africause—an organisation committed to supporting African-Australian and refugee-background communities across Melbourne’s western suburbs.

At Africause, we provide a range of services designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of our communities. These include youth mentoring, school engagement programs, English language classes, digital literacy training, employment support, and anti-racism advocacy—especially addressing the over-policing and criminalisation of African youth.

We also assist individuals and families in navigating systems that can often feel overwhelming—such as Centrelink, housing, and immigration. Our work extends to supporting young people caught in the youth justice system and providing tailored services to women and children affected by domestic and family violence. This includes helping to waive fines, providing modest financial assistance, and connecting them with vital services. We place a special emphasis on helping disengaged youth and single mothers reclaim their sense of dignity, security, and social inclusion.

What makes Africause unique is our holistic, culturally grounded approach. We create spaces for intergenerational dialogue, foster strong community connections, and ensure that our advocacy is safe, respectful, and rooted in lived experience.

As I said during the ASRC Telethon:

“For me, helping refugees and asylum seekers is not a choice. I grew up as a refugee—humanity helped me, and I carry a debt I need to repay. I see people suffer just for being who they are, and that’s not humanity. Humanity is about sharing, supporting, and caring.”

This work is personal. It is my life’s purpose. And I will continue to serve my community with compassion, resilience, and hope.

— Dr Berhan Ahmed
Founder, Africause

Mohamed Semrah is a respected community leader and local council representative known for his strong advocacy for multicultural communities, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. Serving in his role at the council level, Mohamed has worked closely with diverse communities to support initiatives that promote equity, access to services, and community development. His leadership is grounded in lived experience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.