Saran KONTEH

Work History

Programs and Community Impact

Board Member - CALD2LEAD

12.2025 - Current

Facilitated a webinar with 20 attendees during Cultural Diversity Week
Contributed to strategic oversight of programs aimed at empowering culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young people across Australia
Provided governance-level input into program design, delivery, and evaluation to ensure alignment with organisational mission and community needs
Advised on initiatives promoting leadership development, social inclusion, and equitable participation
Supported monitoring of program impact, ensuring outcomes reflect culturally responsive, community-informed and intersectionality approaches
Collaborated with board members and stakeholders to strengthen organisational reach and sustainability
Contributed to decision-making processes, ensuring accountability, ethical practice, and effective governance standards
Advocated for inclusive frameworks that amplify the voices and lived experiences of CALD communities

Cultural Diversity Officer

Victoria University

10.2025 - Current

Representing more than 40,000 culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) student voices within the university community.
Strengthening collaboration between student unions, VU departments, and cultural clubs.
Championing equity, wellbeing, and representation for CALD students across all campuses.
Coordinating events for Cultural Diversity Weeks and lead advocacy for multicultural inclusion.
Developed and implemented diversity training programs to enhance cultural competency across the organisation.
Collaborated with leadership team to establish strategic diversity goals aligned with Victoria University mission.
Facilitated IDERD symposium to 45 participants to promote awareness of unconscious bias and fostering inclusive workplace practices.
Facilitated, and delivered Respect Week campaign to more than 1000 students across all VU campuses
Supporting more than 20 students academically to reduce emotional distress, disengagement, and improve overall wellbeing

Student Mentor

Victoria University

11.2025 - Current

Recognised for strong engagement with CALD students and commitment to inclusive practice
Provided one-on-one peer mentoring to students from diverse backgrounds, supporting academic, social, and personal transition into university
Guided students in navigating university systems, including academic expectations, wellbeing services, and support pathways
Applied strengths-based and culturally responsive approaches to build trust and foster student confidence and engagement
Identified early signs of disengagement and implemented strategies to improve retention and academic progression
Promoted positive engagement with education as a protective factor against social exclusion and adverse life outcomes
Facilitated referrals to relevant university and external support services, including wellbeing and academic assistance
Maintained professional boundaries and accurate records in line with mentoring and ethical practice standards
Collaborated with university staff and program coordinators to ensure holistic student support

Internship - Youth Work and Youth Justice

NAS Recovery Centre

01.2026 - Current

Supported clients experiencing substance use and mental health challenges, including those impacted by justice system involvement
Conducted intake assessments for 3 comprehensive participants and facilitated referral pathways for clients experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges and mental health concerns
Facilitated discussions on drug-induced psychosis to 12 participants, risk, and harm reduction, linking theory to real-world behavioural outcomes
Applied trauma-informed and strengths-based frameworks to support rehabilitation and reduce risk factors associated with reoffending
Assisted in identifying pathways to stabilisation, including access to health, housing, and support services
Advocated for client-centred interventions that address underlying causes of offending, including structural disadvantage and social exclusion
Worked collaboratively with service providers to support reintegration and continuity of care
Contributed to program development and advisory discussions, including community-informed recovery initiatives, and board governance
Assisted with day-to-day operations, including case notes, initial phone intakes, working efficiently and productively with all team members.

Youth Mental Health Program Facilitator

Networking African Australians

09.2025 - Current

Facilitate mental health and wellbeing sessions for school-aged children (7-17), creating safe spaces to discuss challenges and strengthen resilience.
Work collaboratively with families, and community leaders to address barriers to participation, ensuring young people feel supported and represented.
Assist in program development and delivery, embedding cultural pride, inclusion, and positive identity formation into all activities.
Developed and implemented community engagement programs to enhance participation among 20 African Australian youth.
Facilitated workshops focusing on personal development, career readiness, and cultural awareness.
Monitored participant progress throughout the program, adjusting content delivery as needed to ensure optimal comprehension levels were achieved.
Planned and facilitated anti-racism/ anti-bullying workshops in accordance with the Victorian curricula, employing varied methods to maximise self-awareness, education, and youth engagement.

Facilitator – Anti-Racism Focus Group

Victoria University

08.2025 - 03.2026

Lead a collaborative focus group with 6 participants addressing systemic racism, with the aim of shaping inclusive policies at both council and university levels.
Facilitate structured dialogues between young people, council officers, academics, and community stakeholders, ensuring diverse voices are amplified and integrated into decision-making.
Translate community perspectives into actionable recommendations, which inform institutional strategies around equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Promote recovery-focused and human rights–based approaches by fostering safe, respectful spaces for dialogue and empowering participants to challenge systemic barriers.
Act as a community representative by linking grassroots lived experiences with organisational leaders, bridging gaps between communities and institutions.

Advisory Board Member

The Charity Project

03.2023 - 01.2026

Participated in regular board meetings to provide constructive feedback on proposed projects or plans that aligned with the Charity Project's mission statement.
Identified opportunities for continuous improvement within the department, implementing changes that enhanced overall service quality and efficacy in assisting over 100 people with a disability.
Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
Individualised safety plans o address the specific needs and risks faced by vulnerable youth.
Implementing and ensuring a safe environment by identifying potential risks and putting preventative measures in place.
Designed engaging curriculums tailored to the specific needs of diverse groups of young people, regardless of age, disability, or sexuality.
Acted as a trusted point of contact, offering guidance, advocacy, and access to essential services.
Secured funding through sponsorships writing efforts, enabling expansion of the Charity Projects, Disability inclusion.
Provide emotional and practical support to youth facing challenges such as homelessness, family conflict, or mental health issues.
Encourage and model constructive behaviour through mentoring, skill-building activities, and personalised interventions.
Foster an environment that reinforces self-esteem, resilience, and positive social interactions.

Personal Care Assistant

CraigCare Moonee Ponds

05.2019 - 04.2020

Provided personalised assistance with daily living activities, enhancing client comfort and independence.
Assisted clients with mobility and transfers, ensuring safety and dignity during care.
Monitored client health status, reporting changes to appropriate healthcare professionals promptly.
Contributed to a positive home atmosphere by engaging clients in conversation and recreational activities tailored to their interests.
Supported clients'' mental health by actively listening to concerns and offering compassionate companionship during challenging times.
Promoted independence with structured routines and clear communication to support clients in their daily lives.

Youth Worker

Liberian Youth Association Australia

07.2017 - 07.2018

Coordinated youth programs reaching more than 150 young people, with a focus on early intervention, leadership development, and community integration.
Developed partnerships with Monash Health, Victorian Youth Week, and the Victorian Government, ensuring programs were supported by cross-sector collaboration and funding opportunities.
Advocated for at-risk youth by addressing barriers to education, employment, and community participation, resulting in greater inclusion and resilience.
Designed and facilitated culturally tailored workshops that promoted positive peer interactions, encouraged skill-building, and strengthened participants' sense of identity.
Provided governance input within the Association by contributing to program planning, policy advocacy, and long-term vision setting for the organisation's youth initiatives.

Youth Mentor

Melbourne City Mission

05.2017 - 12.2017

Provided structured mentoring and advocacy for young people aged 17-22 facing challenges such as family conflict, disengagement from education, and social isolation.
Strengthened participants' confidence and self-esteem through coaching, role modelling, and pathways into education and training.
Worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (social workers, counsellors, youth workers) to provide holistic and integrated care for young people.
Contributed to program development by designing small-group activities that addressed mental health, resilience, and leadership skills.
Advocated for youth rights by ensuring young people's voices were heard and considered in program delivery.

Summary

Overview

Work History

Programs and Community Impact

Cultural Diversity Officer

Student Mentor

Internship - Youth Work and Youth Justice

Youth Mental Health Program Facilitator

Facilitator – Anti-Racism Focus Group

Advisory Board Member

Personal Care Assistant

Youth Worker

Youth Mentor

Education

Bachelor - Youth Work And Criminal Justice

Accreditation - Mental Health

Certificate - Family Violence

Diploma - Youth Work

Certificate III - Aged Care

Certificate III - Home and Community Care

Skills

Certification

References

Websites

Timeline

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