Education
CMY has a range of programs and resources designed to support students and their families.
Students and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds have a unique set of needs and face a variety of challenges when engaging in the education system. These may include: English not being their first language, disrupted education prior to arriving in Australia, experiences of trauma that impact on learning, experiences of racism at school and in broader society, parents having limited or no experience navigating formal education systems, differing expectations of the structures and norms of the Victorian education system.
We can help to build your capability and boost your confidence in supporting and engaging with students and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds for better educational outcomes. See below for a range of programs and resources.
If you are a young person, parent or carer looking for direct education support please click here.
2026 MY Education Awards: Nominations now open!
The MY Education Awards celebrate individuals, programs and initiatives that have contributed to improving the experience of education for young people from refugee or migrant backgrounds in Victoria. The Awards recognise excellence, innovation, community, perseverance, and commitment.
Help us celebrate the students, educators, schools, and community programs making a difference!
The MY Education Awards are run by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY).
Nominations close: 5pm Monday 3 August 2026
See Terms, Conditions and Eligibility
2026 Award Categories
Award nominations are invited from across Victoria in the following categories:
1. Anti-Racism Changemaker
Initiatives, projects or individuals that actively challenge racism, dismantle inequities and embed cultural safety in educational practice and policy.
2. Strength Beyond the City
Initiatives/projects in regional and rural communities that demonstrate innovation, resilience and strong local educational impact.
3. Community Impact
Initiatives/projects that create meaningful, measurable impact beyond the classroom by strengthening family engagement, partnerships and community learning ecosystems.
4. Learning Against the Odds
Learners who demonstrate persistence, growth and commitment to education despite significant personal or systemic challenges.
5. Speaking Up, Standing Out
Learners who actively shape their education, lead initiatives or advocate for positive change in their school/program or community.
6. Quiet Transformer
Educators whose steady, consistent contributions create lasting change in learning communities.
7. Learning Through Care
Educators who centre safety, belonging and relational practice as the foundation for learning.
*Applicants from previous years are encouraged to apply again in 2026.
Important information
Nominations open at 9am on Wednesday 24 June 2026 and will close at 5pm on Monday 3 August 2026.
At least one supporting document is required for all nominations. This may include:
- Letters of support (funding bodies, supporting organisations, professional references)
- Testimonials from parents, staff, volunteers, students.
- Photos/media stories (please ensure consent has been obtained – see Terms & Conditions).
What we offer
Support for Schools
We support schools to enhance engagement with students from refugee and migrant backgrounds and their families. As well as programs in schools, we deliver training and professional development for school staff, and produce a range of resources to support schools, teachers, students and their families.
Learning Support Programs
Across Victoria, we provide support to hundreds of Learning Support Programs, also referred to as Homework Clubs. These programs provide high-quality tuition and learning support to children and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and their families. They also assist families to better support their children’s learning at home.
We can provide your Learning Support Program with consultation and advice, networking opportunities, training and professional development, and resources.
Refugee Education Support Program (RESP)
RESP is a two-year program aimed at assisting schools to identify and implement strategies which have a positive impact on the achievement, engagement, and wellbeing outcomes of students from refugee backgrounds and their families.
RESP works with participating primary and secondary schools in the government and non-government sectors in five defined geographic clusters across Victoria. The program creates a learning community across school clusters to share their practices and ideas to support one another.
Schools Standing Up To Racism
Schools Standing Up to Racism is a collaboration between CMY and the Victorian Department of Education and Training, offering a range of resources to support schools to address racism and discrimination in their school environment.
This includes workshops available for primary and secondary school leadership and staff and a third optional workshop available for secondary students.
Visit the website for resources and information about workshops.
MY Education Newsletter Sign Up
(For school staff and other education professionals)