Mohamed, 30s
Community Worker
When are you happiest?
I am at my happiest when I’m doing community work, when I’m with my family and good friends. And obviously when I’m practicing my religion.
What are you passionate about?
Community work. I’m very passionate about working with people, trying to achieve our goals. And I’m also passionate about my career and life.
What is something significant you have achieved?
My most significant achievement would be my academic achievement, graduating from university, and as well coming to Australia would be part of my biggest achievement as well.
What do you hope to achieve in 2016?
I hope I can complete a few projects that I’m involved in which includes starting up an orphanage back home [Sierra Leone], and as well undertaking more studies.
What motivated you to help establish an orphanage in Sierra Leone?
The orphanage in Sierra Leone.. . The idea came about when I went back to Sierra Leone in 2013. I found so many homeless kids about the place. That was the motivation.
Plans for the childrens home and Orphanage are to establish a home environment and have the orphanage being fully sustainable, whilst empowering the staff and children who reside and work there.
Who is your role model?
My role model… my parents both my mum and my dad I have learnt a lot from them. This is because of what we’ve experienced in life, things that we’ve been through, and just how they’ve handled that, and some of the values they’ve taught me. That makes them my role models.
What is the greatest risk you’ve taken?
The greatest risk I’ve taken… that would be the time I stayed back in Freetown when my family travelled to another country. Because I wanted to receive my certificate from a course I did, I decided to stay back. That was the biggest risk because there was an outbreak of war, which was very very difficult, so that was obviously the biggest risk I’ve taken.
What’s something that has changed your life?
Something that’s happen that’s changed my life… when I lost my grandmother that did change my life a lot. And also I would say since I’ve been in Australia a few of the people I’ve been working with, mostly in the humanitarian arena, in the humanitarian environment, they’ve changed my life a lot as well. Just how they look at things and how they deal with things.
What impact did your grandmother have on your life?
My grandmother taught me how to share, be kind, be patient and show love.
What’s your best advice to give to other people?
My best advice for others would be; be kind, lend a helping hand, always reach beyond your own self, never give up, always keep your head up.
What role do your beliefs play in your life?
Major roles, important roles. I believe that my beliefs in general have shaped me to be who I am. I believe that my beliefs have led me to be involved in more so the things I am involved with today. And I believe I can make a major change, a big change in the world, just through my beliefs.
You’re extremely driven to help others and build community. What contributed to this drive in you?
Going through intense hardship and a life in refugee camps has greatly impacted on my desire to help others.
I’ve been involved in social work since I arrived here as refugee in 2002 in Tasmania. I founded the Refugee youth soccer club Launceston All Stars and managed it for five years before moving to Brisbane.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I would like to say that I am on the fast lane, I am going to move fast, I am on this path of working with people to help people, and nothing is going to stop me from doing that. I’ve got my head fixed on it.