By Jessica Anstice
A few months ago, student Elias Azadzoi took it upon himself to conduct a multicultural survey within Cardinia shire, to gauge an understanding on views and difficulties experienced by youth from diverse backgrounds.
The Minaret College Officer campus Year 12 student received an overwhelming response to his survey, with 150 people taking part.
“The feedback I got was mainly towards having more leadership programs for the many individuals with diverse backgrounds so they could have a chance to have their voices heard on matters of concern,” Alias said.
“There were suggestions of interfaith programs, social events and of course a leadership program that can cooperate with the council.
“What I found through the survey was mainly the loss of sense of belonging for young Australians from diverse backgrounds especially in having their voices and concerns heard within their communities.”
Elias, whose parents were from Afghanistan, wants to see a greater confidence in young people from multicultural backgrounds in talking about their cultures and experiences; for them to be heard; and for their views to be considered respectfully.
“The idea of the survey was basically about making a more inclusive environment for those from diverse backgrounds and to ensure that they participate more in leadership programs as many of them shy away from such programs,” he explained.
“This is why I took the initiative to make a survey in order to receive feedback.”
It doesn’t stop there for Elias, in his original proposal to Cardinia Shire Council he shared a number of projects he would like to implement in relation to multiculturalism within the community.
One of his ideas includes creating a multicultural film where the community, mainly schools, get involved in creating the film based on diversity.
He also proposed an annual multicultural sports tournament.
