VAAN
Empowering Communities, Building Futures
The Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN) is a not-for-profit umbrella
organisation established in late 2015. It represents a coalition of incorporated Afghan
community groups across Melbourne, working collaboratively to support, empower, and
advocate for Afghan-Australians.
Our sponsers
VAAN
Overview of VAAN Afghan Community
Founded in 2015, the Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN) is an umbrella organisation representing seven Afghan community associations across Victoria. VAAN provides culturally appropriate programs and advocacy to support the settlement, integration, and empowerment of Afghan Australians.
Mission, Vision & Values:
Mission: To strengthen collaboration among Afghan associations in Victoria, identify the challenges and opportunities facing our communities, and develop practical, inclusive solutions that support successful settlement, integration, and community development.
Values: Respect, Cultural Integrity, Empowerment, Community Connection, Collaboration.
Leadership Team:
President: Zabi Mazoori
Hub Manager: Dr Hafiz Asadi
Board Members:
Shukoor Farahmand, Vice President,
Ahmad Shekib Tausif, Secretary,
Hadi Karimi, Assistant Secretary
Nazir Yousafi, Treasurer
Ali Behsudi, Deputy treasurer.
Education & Skills:
We offer workshops and resources to help community members improve their language skills and gain new qualifications.
Cultural Connections
We organize events that celebrate our heritage and build connections with the wider Australian community.
Settlement Support
We offer one-on-one help to new arrivals as they navigate life in Australia.
Health & Wellbeing
We run workshops and partner with local services to improve our community’s health.
ABOUT US!
THE YOUTH SUPPORT PROGRAM
Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN) is providing support to newly arrived Afghan youth with mental health & wellbeing, education and employment services, Sport and Recreation activities under the Newly Arrived Afghans’ Youth Support Project.
We support the newly arrived youth via delivery of an effective support program such as:
Information Sessions around Mental Health & Wellbeing for the recently arrived youth.
VAAN provides support to Afghan youth with sporting activities and engaging them to sport clubs. VAAN intends to provide financial support for the recently arrived Afghan youth who are interested in sporting activities.
Through youth support project, VAAN facilitates social excursions for the youth to familiarize them with the Australian society and culture.
VAAN provides regular educational and employment information sessions to youth, navigating & mentoring clients around education and employment services in Australia.
Homework Support sessions to Afghan youth will be regularly delivered by tutors and volunteers at our Community Hub.
Member Organisations
Our Community Hub offers a range of services designed to help you settle in successfully and find your feet.
Established in 2009, HSAV is committed to supporting the Hazara community across
Victoria. We offer citizenship and English classes, cultural events, and educational
sessions on refugee support and mental health to promote integration into Australian
society.
Our volunteers assist new arrivals with settlement needs, including referrals for
housing, employment, and essential services. HSAV aims to build an inclusive,
connected community by fostering a sense of belonging and empowering individuals
to thrive in their new environment.
Baran Club is a grassroots group supporting isolated women from culturally and
linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, particularly newly arrived Afghan
women. Many face language, cultural, and economic barriers with limited literacy and
numeracy skills. The club offers a range of services including conversational English,
digital literacy, driving license support, sewing and crafts, and cultural celebrations.
Since 2019, the club has provided a safe space for women to build confidence,
connect with services, and promote social inclusion. It is supported by partners like
City of Casey, SECL, and SMRC.
(UCSI) provides vital settlement assistance to newly
arrived asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in South- East Melbourne. With a
focus on empowering Afghan, Hazara, and other refugee communities, UCSI delivers
educational programs, workshops, social activities, excursions, and sporting
opportunities to ensure equitable access to services and stronger community
integration.
Guided by the motto “Recognise. Connect. Empower.”, UCSI is led primarily by
women from diverse Afghan backgrounds. Recent initiatives include volleyball and
soccer programs for young people, particularly girls, promoting inclusion, well-being,
and active participation in community life.
Established in 2002, HACAV supports newly arrived refugees with services related to
Centrelink, transportation, employment, and health.
The Aassociation also runs youth programs, including a soccer club, and hosts
information sessions on migration and refugee visas. HACAV proudly celebrates key
Afghan cultural events such as Nowruz, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
Established in 2002, the Association of Hazaras in Victoria is a leading Afghan
community organisation supporting refugees and migrants through education
programs, cultural events, sports activities, referrals, advocacy, and settlement
services.
We also operate the Andisha Community Language School (ACLS) in Cranbourne,
dedicated to teaching Dari to Afghan children in South-East Melbourne. ACLS aims
to be Victoria’s leading centre for Dari language and Afghan cultural education in a
supportive environment.
Get In Touch
Connect with us and find your community. Our door is always open. Whether you have a question or simply want to say hello, we look forward to hearing from you.
OUR EVENT
Join Our Events
Join us for our upcoming community events. They are a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, celebrate our culture, and create new memories together.
Family Violence Bystander Leadership Training
VAAN, in partnership with InTouch, invites Afghan community leaders in Victoria to join a three-part training program focused on family violence awareness, safe bystander response, and referral pathways to support services.
Literacy and Wellbeing Program for Women
This program has been launched with the aim of strengthening reading, writing, and basic learning skills for women.
Nowruz Festival
Annual Afghan New Year celebration bringing together families, cultural performers, and community leaders.
Refugee Week Celebration:
Showcasing refugee stories, resilience, and contributions to Australia.
Youth & Children’s Week
Sports days, excursions, and creative activities for Afghan youth.
TESTIMONIAL
People Reviews
RECENT BLOG
Blog
Our blog is a space for the community to share stories, insights, and news. From personal journeys of settlement to updates on our latest projects, you’ll find inspiring content right here.
