About Us
This Life Foundation is a non-governmental body founded by Mercy Akongo to draw young African-Australian’s attention to issues affecting the development of Africa; and to involve, empower, train and mentor potential young people into responsible leaders. Young African-Australians are part of Africa but they do not have the opportunities and channels to participate in what is taking place
in the continent. Ms Akongo who hails from a marginalized district within one of the most marginalized region of Uganda has spent her life working with disadvantaged communities including working directly with victims of war in Northern Uganda. This Life Foundation seeks to support and to facilitate collaboration between young people in the Diaspora and those in Africa in order to shape and influence effective leadership and good governance in the continent. Africa is a rich continent yet the majority of its population still lives in fear and engulfed in extreme poverty with millions dying from preventable diseases. This is as a result lack of education and lack of a democratic space for citizens` participation in the development process. The foundation aim to achieve this by focusing on mentoring, training, educating and guiding young people, particularly helping them to realize their roles as active partners in the transformation of Africa. Our leadership development programs will create the foundation on which young people are empowered and encouraged to pursue trainings that will build their skills and earn the essential qualities and skills required to succeed in their different areas of interest and to be able to have access to key decision-making roles and leadership positions. Our Vision
Africa free from corruption, poverty, political persecution, diseases and a continent with equal opportunities; a future where Africans no longer seeks asylum away from their own land but a continent that is able to provide economic, social and political security to all its people. We mirror a generation that is free from sexual gender based violence, a community where women and men work together for the development of their families and society, and a generation where there is no involvement by African-Australian in anti-social behaviors
Our Values
Compassion: Welcoming and supporting all with kindness, understanding without prejudice or judgment. Integrity: We strive to promote, maintain and uphold the mission, vision and the values of the Foundation. We hold ourselves to a high standard of integrity within the foundation and seek to instill this same commitment to those we work with. Courage: We believe one has to be disciplined to become a true leader and to standup for what is right at all times. Advocacy: Working to transform the causes of poverty and challenging the causes of human injustice. Transformation: We believe change begins with you and we are committed to this through empowerment, social change to foster self growth at personal, community, national and international level. Sisterhood &Brotherhood: We are committed to growing a strong network of solidarity and support among African women and men by providing a space to safely share experiences and to empower each other to be able to adapt and live productively in Australia without loosing their values and norms as Africans.Empathy: Establishing and maintaining relationships based on respect, trust, and friendship
Our Work: Thematic Areas
1. Trainings: To train, support, empower and mentor young Africans into responsible leaders and productive members of the Australian society and to Africa.
2. Leadership & Participation: To lobby and advocate for active participation of young African-Australians in Africa’s leadership and improved inclusion in leadership in Australia
3. African child's rights: To advocate, protect and defend the rights of African children both in Africa and Australia preserving and protecting their human dignity.
4. Socio-economic Development: To empower and support child-headed families, victims of sexual gender violence; and to contribute towards the eradication of extreme poverty.
5. Psycho-social support: To establish and build a culturally appropriate drop-in café (All Colour Café) to provide support and counseling to young people struggling with social problems within a safe environment.
6. Networking & Partnership
