Tag: Asylum Seeker

Former student runs Global Poverty Project presentations in schools

http://education-news-update.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/former-student-runs-global-poverty.html

 

The following was published on the 16th May 2013.

 

Akram Azimi, a former Warwick Senior High School student and the 2013 Young Australian of the Year, will be visiting schools across Australia in Term 2 on behalf of the Global Poverty Project

 

How Akram spends his time at schools is up to teachers to decide. It could be in the form of a one-on-one mentoring session, a group workshop, or an inspirational speech.

 

In 1999, 11-year-old Akram Azimi and his mother arrived in Australia from Afghanistan as asylum seekers. With limited English, Akram struggled to academically, failing English in both Years 8 and 9.

Many teachers assisted Akram by spending extra time with him before and after school and during recess and lunch. One teacher in particular, Andrew Bell, took on the role of mentor to Akram and coached him in History, English and Australian culture.

 

It was through this mentoring that Akram was able to turn his academic results around and amazingly, achieve the highest Tertiary Entrance Rank in his school.

 

Akram is living proof of the importance of mentoring, in helping young people reach their potential, and now Akram wants to inspire students to achieve academic success and develop positive attitudes.

 

The Global Poverty Project’s presentation has been seen in over 150 schools to an audience of over 10,000 students.

 

“This presentation is incredibly informative,” says Akram. “In a world where we are constantly exposed to negative stories, it offers schools the opportunity to complement the national Civics and Citizenship curriculum with a uniquely positive narrative of how the world is becoming a better place.”

 

“This presentation is an exercise in global citizenry that equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to become change-makers.”

 

“Our sense of self-esteem comes from service to others.”

 

“This presentation gives students the chance to discover global issues and their self-worth. I highly recommend every school student in Australia see this presentation.”

 

To book your presentation with Akram please contact Ashlee Uren, Youth and Schools Coordinator for the Global Poverty Project, by telephoning 0431 923 003 or by emailing ashlee.uren@globalpovertyproject.com.

AKRAM AZIMI, 2013 young Australian of the Year

 

Thursday, 7 November 2013

Yesterday I listened to ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler. Yesterday’s guest was Akram Azimi. This Akram is incredibly well spoken and yet he came to Australia as a refugee thirteen years ago with no English whatsoever. His story is a true eye opener.

Akram Azimi

Akram Azimi fled Afghanistan thirteen years ago and settled in Perth as a refugee. He was named 2013 Young Australian of the Year.

Broadcast date: Wednesday 6 November

Akram undertook his first year at an Australian high school having just arrived in the country and with very little English. He progressed to become Head Boy and school dux by his senior year.

While studying for a triple-degree at University, he became involved with a mentorship scheme, working with Indigenous families in The Kimberley.

The experience profoundly changed Akram’s aspirations, and he’s since initiated other schemes to promote understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, as well as continuing to mentor young people across Western Australia.