empowering young refugee &
Asylum Seeker women through education
Who We Are
We are an Independent Senior Secondary School providing a specialised and supportive educational experience that empowers young women from refugee backgrounds. We are a passionate, committed, and diverse group of people with a range of perspectives, skills and capabilities, committed to excellence in trauma-informed teaching and learning strategies and the removal of barriers to education faced by young women from refugee backgrounds.
RIVER NILE SCHOOL - MELBOURNE AWARD WINNERS
COMMUNITY
We’re thrilled to share some very exciting news - the River Nile School has been named winners of the Melbourne Awards 2025 in the Community category. It’s an honour to be recognised by the @cityofmelbourne for outstanding work and a HUGE thank you to our amazing students, staff and community who make this possible every day!
Upcoming events
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River Nile School Book drive
We’re running a special book drive at River Nile School to get more books into our library – and we want these books to reflect you!
We asked students what kinds of books they’d love to read, and then we worked with our wonderful friends at Chestnut Tree Bookshop to help choose a list of books based on your ideas. Chestnut Tree put so much care and thought into the list, making sure it matches the interests, passions and backgrounds of our amazing students.
Now we’re asking our wider community to help by buying one of these books for our library.
Each book will help build a stronger, more exciting reading space for everyone at RNS. And every person who donates a book can even write a special message inside the cover for our students to read!
Want to get involved?
You can find the book list and donation link in our school bio or by asking at the office.Let’s build a library full of stories that feel like home. 💛📚
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Refugee Education & Empowerment Network Term 1, 2026 Meeting
Thursday 12th February 2026
9AM-11AM
đź“ŤOnline Zoom
We invite you to join us for our first Victorian Refugee Education and Empowerment Network (REEN) meeting for 2026.
River Nile School, Foundation House and Refugee Education Australia have partnered to deliver a cross-sector Victorian network dedicated to education and empowerment for young people from refugee backgrounds. This network is open to school-based professionals, community organisations, government departments, health services, businesses, and more—anyone passionate about sharing expertise, ideas, and initiatives while working together to create opportunities and lasting change.
Our first network meeting for 2026 will be held online on Thursday 12th February from 9am till 11am.
You can find out more about each of our organisations below:
Our Term 1, 2026 meeting will be held online on Thursday 12th February from 9am till 11am.
In this network meeting, together we will:
Deepen our understanding of refugee experiences and impacts on the education journeys of students and families.
Learn more about Foundation House's work supporting recovery with individuals, families and communities from refugee backgrounds, including the capacity building offerings available to Victorian schools.
Hear from the voices of those with lived experience about supports and strategies that empower students and families in their education journeys.
Connect with other network members from different sectors.
Have an opportunity to share details about our schools, services and programs with the network.
Continue to co-create our vision for the network and steps that will assist us to stay connected (e.g., online platform for resources, member contact list).
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RIVER NILE SCHOOL HARMONY BLOCK PARTY
Friday 27th March 2026
4PM-8PM
đź“ŤRiver Nile School Car Park - 117 Capel Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
After the launch of their first Harmony Block Party in March, 2025, River Nile School returns in 2026 with their second Harmony Block Party, an unmissable celebration of the strengths, talents, and passions of refugee and asylum seeker youth.
Held in the cool, urban setting of the River Nile School parking lot, this vibrant event will transform the space into the ultimate street-vibes destination, right in the heart of North Melbourne. Immerse yourself in electrifying performances, stunning art, and cultural expressions while savoring mouthwatering dishes from refugee-owned food stalls and trucks. Dive into dynamic youth-led activities and explore a buzzing marketplace packed with community services and activities.
The Harmony Day Block Party will be a magical celebration of diversity, resilience, and creativity, showcasing the talents, strengths, passions, cultures and identities of refugee and asylum seeker youth and communities, offering a platform for them to share their voices and experiences with the broader community, creating a truly intercultural, connected and welcoming space for all!
And the best part? It’s completely FREE! Entry, activities, and jaw-dropping performances won’t cost a thing - you’ll only need your wallet to indulge in the global flavors served up by our incredible refugee-owned food trucks and stalls
With its open-air charm and vibrant atmosphere, the Harmony Block Party once again promises an evening of inspiration, connection, and pure joy.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of unity, youth, creativity, and community - come join the party where it all comes to life!
Made possible by the Victorian Government through the Multicultural Festivals & Events Program and the City of Melbourne Community Events Grants Program.
