Not many in Geelong may be aware of the Zimbabwean Community in Australia (ZCA) Language School campus in Grovedale, an Accredited Community Language School that services 25 students.
But ZCA school principal Dr Athanas Zivave hopes that a $2,000 grant from the City of Greater Geelong for sporting equipment and events will help the small school build bridges into the community as well as get its students back into sporting activities.
“There was quite a lot of excitement, especially among the children, when we heard the grant was successful,” Dr Zivave said.
“We are hoping that the soccer skills development and tournament we will run will help engage the students after the COVID era.
“The Grovedale house is a wonderful facility, a very friendly environment, and we’re hoping to meet other communities there as well.
“Through COVID there was no sports, no training going on. So as a community, the African community in particular, we are very, very grateful for this grant.”
The grant is one of 118 such grants awarded as part of the Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants program, which is providing more than $690,000 in funding for arts projects and festivals, community events, environmentally sustainable initiatives and equipment purchases.
The ZCA language school will use the grant to purchase soccer, cricket and basketball equipment and host events for students and the wider community.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, deputy mayor and chair of the Council’s Finance portfolio, said the grants were intended to provide opportunities for community connection and inclusion.
“We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, which is why we’re thrilled to be supporting these 118 community projects,” Cr Aitken said.
“These grants will support not-for-profits, community groups and sporting clubs, giving people the opportunity to connect with their neighbours and give back to our community.”
