Pathways that lead somewhere.
Kowanj connects people to real opportunities in employment and education.
Every step is focused on outcomes that last.
Opportunity should not depend on where you start.
How We Support Community
Employment
Connecting individuals to real job opportunities that match skills and potential.
Education
Training designed around what employers actually need.
Community
Supporting inclusion and long-term participation.
Our Story
Founded in 2014 by Ashoup Atar, a former South Sudanese refugee, Kowanj was created to remove the barriers experienced by new migrants trying to access education, employment, and belonging in Australia. “Kowanj,” meaning help/assist in Dinka, reflects the organisation’s purpose: to walk alongside communities with cultural understanding, dignity, and respect. What began as a small volunteer-led initiative has grown into a trusted, award-winning organisation supporting multicultural communities across Victoria and internationally.
Grounded in the principles of the Early Intervention Investment Framework (EIIF), Kowanj prioritises supporting people early - before challenges escalate -by addressing root causes of
disadvantage such as long-term unemployment, intergenerational hardship, social isolation, trauma, and systemic exclusion. Our model integrates cultural expertise, peer leadership pathways, and multi-sector partnerships to reduce demand on crisis services, strengthen families, and build resilient communities. This approach has proven transformative, with more than 3,000 individuals supported across our programs in Victoria, South Sudan, Kenya, and Egypt through education, employment, capacity building, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership initiatives.
With 17 staff and volunteers, many of whom share lived experience with those we serve, Kowanj brings deep cultural insight and linguistic diversity, enabling genuine trust-building where mainstream systems struggle to connect. In 2022, Kowanj received the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in Education in recognition of our innovative community-based learning model that links training to real employment outcomes. Through strong collaborations with community leaders, employers, RTOs, TAFEs, local councils, and government, Kowanj strengthens Victoria’s social infrastructure by promoting economic participation, community cohesion, and self-reliance among diverse communities.
Who We Serve
Refugees and Migrants
Supporting access to employment and education pathways.
CALD Communities
Creating inclusive and accessible opportunities.
Partners and Employers
Working together to deliver workforce outcomes.
Our Patron
Rev Tim Costello AO
Rev Tim Costello AO is a respected Australian community leader, advocate, author, and public voice on social justice, leadership, ethics, poverty, and community wellbeing.
He is widely recognised for his leadership as former Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Australia, where he helped bring national attention to poverty, humanitarian issues, and global development. He has also served in a range of community, faith-based, advocacy, and governance roles across Australia.
Tim’s connection with Kowanj Australasia reflects a shared commitment to justice, dignity, opportunity, and practical support for communities that are often underserved or overlooked.
As Patron, Tim lends his support to Kowanj’s mission and helps affirm the importance of our work across employment, education, training, community wellbeing, and culturally responsive support.
Our Ambassador
A Voice for the Mission
Our ambassador
Ex refugee & Professional Basketball Player
South Sudanese Australian - Emmanuel Malou
Represents the purpose behind Kowanj. They help extend reach, build trust, and strengthen impact.
''I aspire to be a role model in the community and become a champion of change and leader for the next generation''
Work With Kowanj
Partner with us or get involved in creating real pathways to employment.
