AYC & AAMYCN
Our Founder/CEO
Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the African Youth Collective (AYC). He is a passionate youth advocate, community leader, and change-maker dedicated to empowering African and African-Australian young people and strengthening families and communities.
Driven by lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people, Isaiah founded African Youth Collective to create safe, supportive, and culturally responsive spaces where youth can thrive. Under his leadership, AYC delivers programs focused on mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), leadership development, sport, education, and community connection through its B-MAD (Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs) framework.
Isaiah is committed to early intervention, prevention, and long-term community impact. His vision is to see young people supported, families engaged, and communities strengthened through collaboration, culture, and care.Contact Us:
📧 ceo@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
📞 0402 370 066
Our united Mission with AAMYCN
United by heart, the African Youth Collective and the African Australian Mothers Youth Care Network (AAMYCN) are working closely together in unity, love, and harmony to promote peace and positive change within our communities. Through the strength and guidance of mothers, we are supporting young people to make the right choices and to walk positive paths. By uniting young people and mothers, we aim to inspire enlightenment, responsibility, and hope within the community, and to build a future that is stronger and greater than today.
Founder/ CEO of AAMYCN
Matha J Kueth – Founder & CEO of AAMYCN
Matha J Kueth is the Founder and CEO of the African Australian Mothers Youth Care Network (AAMYCN), providing leadership, vision, and guidance to strengthen programs and initiatives that support young mothers and the wider community. Through her expertise and dedication, she ensures that AAMYCN delivers impactful, inclusive, and empowering programs that foster resilience, connection, and opportunity.
Her commitment to mentorship, community development, and advocacy contributes to AAMYCN and AYC’s shared mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth and families.
Contact:📧 info@aycol.org🌐 www.aycol.org
AOD & Mental Health Leaders
President (AOD & Mental Health PROFESSIONAL)
Ms. Charity Marisa is the President of the African Youth Collective. With a professional background in youth mental health, and AOD she is dedicated to supporting young people through advocacy, empowerment, and care. Her leadership plays a vital role in advancing AYC’s mission to uplift and unite African Australian youth.
Contact:
📧 president@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
📞 Phone number coming soon
AOD & SUICIDE PREVENTION OFFICER
Doum Benjamin
Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Facilitator
Doum Benjamin is a committed suicide prevention and mental health facilitator trained with Roses in the Ocean, Australia’s national lived-experience suicide prevention organisation. He works to create safe spaces, build resilience, and support vulnerable individuals during times of crisis. Passionate about saving lives and reducing emotional distress, Duom brings dedication and care to every community he serves.
🌐 www.aycol.org
📞 Phone number coming soon
Project / Strategic Planner
Project co-ordinator
Kuol Malou – Strategic Planner
Kuol Malou is the Strategic Planner with the African Youth Collective, playing a key role in developing, implementing, and monitoring programs and initiatives that support young people and the wider community. Through careful planning, research, and analysis, he ensures AYC’s projects are effective, impactful, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and goals.
His work contributes to creating sustainable, well-structured programs that uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth while fostering strong community engagement and outcomes.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
AOD & Mental Health Support
Youth Mentor
Nyathor Nhial is a Youth Mentor with the African Youth Collective. With a strong passion for youth development and community empowerment, she is committed to guiding and supporting young people through mentorship, advocacy, and culturally grounded care. Her work plays an important role in strengthening AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Youth Mentor
Sabir Banek is a Youth Mentor with the African Youth Collective. With a strong commitment to youth empowerment and community leadership, he supports young people through mentorship, advocacy, and positive role modelling. His work contributes to advancing AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
📞 Phone number coming soon
Sport
Basketball
Deng Isaiah Mashinkok is the Basketball Coach with the African Youth Collective, delivering weekly training sessions at Victoria University in Footscray every Saturday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. With a strong passion for youth development, teamwork, and discipline, he is committed to mentoring young people through sport, leadership, and positive role modelling. His work plays an important role in strengthening AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Basketball Coach
Emanuel Malou is a Basketball Coach with the African Youth Collective, leading weekly training sessions at the Sunshine West Warehouse every Saturday from 12:30pm to 4:00pm. With a strong commitment to youth development, discipline, and teamwork, he supports young people through structured basketball training, mentorship, and positive role modelling. His role contributes to advancing AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Basketball Coach
Ochan Ochan is a Basketball Coach with the African Youth Collective, leading weekly outdoor basketball sessions at Flemington every Saturday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. With a strong commitment to youth development, discipline, and teamwork, he supports young people through structured basketball training, mentorship, and positive role modelling. His role contributes to advancing AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Nyanwut kuol
Nyanwut Kuol is the First Aid Leader with the African Youth Collective. She plays a key role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants across AYC programs and activities by providing first aid support, risk awareness, and emergency response coordination. Her role contributes to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that enables young people to confidently engage in AYC’s programs and activities.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Mayen Malek
Mayen Malek is a Youth Development Support worker with the African Youth Collective. She plays an important role in supporting the growth, wellbeing, and positive development of young people across AYC programs and activities by assisting with engagement, mentorship, and culturally responsive support. Her role contributes to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment that enables young people to build confidence, skills, and strong community connections.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Youth Engagement & Community Programs
Youth Engagement Officer
Amanuel Mulatu is a compassionate and motivated Youth Work student based in Melbourne, VIC. With experience at Multicultural Arts Victoria and Wyndham Youth & Resource Centre, he has developed strong skills in mentoring, program facilitation, and communication—supporting young people to build confidence, social skills, and resilience. Amanuel is also committed to empathy, inclusion, and continuous learning in every environment he works in. Beyond his professional background, he has contributed to creative workshops, /after-school programs, and community engagement projects—helping to empower young people and inspire positive change in diverse communities. 📧info@aycol.org
📞 0431 025 081
Community development Co-ordinator
Mr. Bukuru Leonidas – Community Development Coordinator
Mr. Bukuru Leonidas is a dedicated and compassionate Community Development Coordinator with a strong commitment to empowering young people and strengthening community wellbeing. In his role, he plays a vital part in coordinating community-led initiatives that promote personal development, resilience-building, and social connection.
Mr. Bukuru is passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces where community members—particularly young people—can engage meaningfully, build awareness around mental health, and develop essential life skills. Through community engagement, program coordination, and advocacy against discrimination, he continues to foster confidence, respect, and unity while supporting the growth of strong, connected, and empowered communities.
Youth Advocate
Khalid Katikang – Youth Advocate
Award Recipient – Community Service Award (Greater City of Dandenong) Oyiti Foundation – South East Dandenong
Khalid Katikang is a dynamic and results-driven Youth Advocate based in Dandenong, VIC. He was recently honoured with a Community Service Award by the Greater City of Dandenong, in partnership with the Oyiti Foundation, for his outstanding dedication to supporting young people in the South East region.
With professional experience at Koni and Brock, Khalid has built strong capabilities in teamwork, problem-solving, organisational efficiency, and time management—consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting project deadlines. His work ethic reflects a commitment to safety, efficiency, and continuous learning across all his roles.
Beyond his professional background, Khalid has volunteered with Aspya, contributing to creative storytelling, youth outreach, and engagement projects that build trust, confidence, and positive change within the community. Through these initiatives, he continues to advocate for young people and strengthen community connections.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Community Development co-ordinator
Ms Mer Gai
Ms. Mer Gai is a passionate and dedicated Community Development Officer with extensive experience in community engagement and social empowerment. She is deeply committed to inspiring and guiding individuals on their personal and collective growth journeys while nurturing a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and unity within the community. Ms. Mer is highly skilled in developing and implementing effective community programs, organizing impactful outreach initiatives, and fostering meaningful connections that uplift, empower, and transform lives across diverse backgrounds.
Mandy Trang
Ms. Mandy is a passionate and dedicated Academic Support officer with over 11 years of experience in education and community engagement. She is deeply committed to inspiring and guiding students on their learning journey while nurturing a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and academic growth within the community. Ms. Mandy is highly skilled in delivering effective learning support, organizing impactful academic programs, and fostering meaningful connections that uplift, empower, and transform learners from diverse backgrounds.
Creative & Cultural Team
Graphic Design
Agany Agany – Graphic Designer
Agany Agany is a talented Graphic Designer with the African Youth Collective, bringing creativity and visual expertise to support the organisation’s programs and community initiatives. She plays a key role in designing engaging materials, digital content, and visual communications that help connect, inform, and inspire young people.
Through her work, Agany ensures that AYC’s message is communicated effectively and professionally, strengthening the organisation’s identity and impact within the community.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Marbar the Rapper
Marbar – Rapper / Musician
Marbar is a talented musician and rapper with the African Youth Collective, using his creativity and musical skills to inspire, entertain, and connect with young people. Through his performances, songwriting, and community engagement, he promotes self-expression, cultural pride, and positive messages for the next generation.
His work contributes to AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth through music, arts, and creative programs.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Chef
Ahmed – Chef
Ahmed is a skilled Chef with the African Youth Collective, bringing his culinary expertise to inspire and engage young people through food and cooking programs. He plays a key role in teaching practical skills, promoting healthy eating, and creating inclusive spaces where participants can learn, collaborate, and express their creativity in the kitchen.
His work contributes to AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth through practical skills, mentorship, and community engagement.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Support & Administrative team
Admin
Sunday Makuach – Admin
Sunday Makuach is an Administration Officer with the African Youth Collective, supporting the smooth operation of programs and organizational activities. She plays a vital role in coordinating schedules, managing communications, and ensuring that the team and participants have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Her work contributes to AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth by maintaining an efficient, organised, and welcoming environment for all.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Pastoral / Wellbeing
Youth support officer
Michael Keflamariam Passionate and dedicated Evangelist with years of experience in ministry and community outreach. Committed to inspiring and guiding individuals in their faith journey while fostering a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and spiritual growth within the community. Skilled in delivering impactful sermons, organizing outreach programs, and building meaningful connections that uplift and empower people from all walks of life.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Minister
Misrak Ahmed is a Minister with the African Youth Collective, providing spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to young people in the community. Through her leadership, she fosters a sense of purpose, values, and moral development, helping youth navigate challenges and make positive life choices.
Her role contributes to AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth by creating a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment rooted in faith, guidance, and community care.
Contact:
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Lawyer
Lawyer
Tejpal Jholl – Lawyer & Friend of AYC
Tejpal Jholl is a trusted Lawyer and valued friend of the African Youth Collective, providing legal guidance, advocacy, and support to help strengthen the organisation’s programs and initiatives. Through his expertise, he assists AYC in navigating legal matters, ensuring compliance, and protecting the interests of young people and the community.
His commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement contributes to AYC’s mission to uplift, connect, and empower African Australian youth.
Contact:
03 9793 1762
📧 info@aycol.org
🌐 www.aycol.org
Empowering Youth. Strengthening Families. Building Strong Communities.
The African Youth Collective (AYC) is a community-led organisation supporting African and African-Australian young people to live healthy, meaningful, and positive lives. Through culturally safe, strengths-based programs, we work alongside young people, families, and communities to create safe, connected, and thriving futures.
At the heart of our work is B-MAD – Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs, the umbrella that brings together all our programs, activities, and community initiatives.