The Mät Approach is a culturally-grounded biopsychosocial model targeting key economic, social, and cultural factors essential for creating lasting solutions to complex disadvantages faced by the youth.

This approach transforms:

• Service Delivery and Governance:

  • Guided by culturally responsive practice principles.

  • Led, delivered, and evaluated by the South Sudanese-Australian community.

• Content of Services:

  • Offering integrated, culturally responsive services across five core domains:

    1. Learning and Personal Growth

    2. Social and Public Welfare

    3. Economic Empowerment and Stability

    4. Cultural and Creative Expression

    5. Community Engagement and Development

• Systemic Structures:

  • Establishing frameworks that enable meaningful, systemic change, recognizing the strength and knowledge within the South Sudanese community.

    
    

Matt in Action (Programs and Services)

Matt actively engages the community through diverse programs including:

• Culture and Identity Program:

  • A 6-week initiative helping youth explore, celebrate, and preserve their cultural heritage, enhancing identity, resilience, and leadership skills.

• Youth Justice Support Program (Outreach):

  • Supporting youth involved in the justice system, aiming to reduce recidivism through mentorship, advocacy, education, and family support.

• Mental Health Support:

  • Culturally safe, trauma-informed mental health services promoting well-being through counselling, peer mentorship, and community integration.

• Support with Daily Activities and Community Access (Outreach):

  • Practical, emotional, and social support for vulnerable community members, fostering resilience, mental well-being, and self-sufficiency.

• Mother’s Engagement Program:

  • A community-centered initiative empowering mothers through connection, education, and resources to overcome social barriers and participate actively in their communities.

• Employment and Job Training:

  • A two-week program equipping individuals with essential job-search skills and practical experience, preparing them to confidently enter the job market.

• Cultural Responsiveness Training:

  • Training tailored for organizations working with the South Sudanese community, promoting cultural safety, understanding, and responsive practices to enhance inclusivity and systemic equity.

  
  

Through these initiatives, Mät Foundation is dedicated to creating lasting, impactful change that resonates deeply within the community.