By Natalie Gallenti
NOT many 20 year olds would be willing to give up endless hours of their time to help others, but that’s exactly what Sameerah Arif does each week.
The Victoria University St Albans student is a shining example of what youngsters are capable of.
Ms Arif, who is in her third year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences degree, said her number one passion was to give back to the community that has given her so much.
“Each and every one of us has great potential to give back to the community. And if everyone gives something can you imagine the improvement we will see,” the humble Moonee Ponds resident said.
Migrating from India in 2001, Ms Arif always knew she wanted to make a difference and is particularly keen to help homeless youth in the community.
As one of Victoria University’s student leaders she has been involved in various leadership groups and community-based projects including soup vans and Red Cross blood donation drives.
She is also a member of the St Albans Youth Services Network, where she works closely with community leaders to deliver programs to improve the lifestyle of youngsters.
And just to add to her already hectic schedule, the motivated student is presently heading two projects aimed at improving the lives of homeless youth in the area as well as school children in Tonga.
“I am currently involved in a project of running various fundraising events and all the money raised will go towards the Good Shepherd Foundation charity. I was inspired by their goals and mission of providing housing for the unfortunate youths.
“While doing the events my aim is to also create awareness about youth homelessness and ways the community can help to provide shelter for homeless kids.”
She is also in the middle of creating literacy packs, which include pens, pencils, crayons and children’s books, that will be shipped to a small village in Tonga to be used by primary school students.
And her voluntary work won’t stop there with plans to one day work in the health industry and travel to a third world country – perhaps her homeland – to help improve the standard of living.
“I always look at what I have and what others don’t have and how I can change that.”
Sameerah Arif is the subject of this week’s Pride in Brimbank, a series Star launched to highlight the stories of everyday heroes who take pride in their community. If you know someone who fits the bill, call Star on 9933 4814.
