We're talking about The Nest
To make sure young people remain at the heart of The Nest, the following youth ambassadors are involved in supporting the project, spreading the word, engaging others to participate, and contributing to an ongoing dialogue about what is needed for children and young people in Australia.
Arif Nabizadah
Born in Afghanistan, Arif’s ethnic background is Hazara. After his family was forced to flee their homeland, they arrived in Peshawar, Pakistan. In 2005, Arif and his family were granted humanitarian passage to Australia. Settling in Western Sydney, he completed his education here and started to actively engage in and support the Hazara refugee community. In 2008, Arif joined a community association called Kateb (named after the eminent historical writer Faiz Mohammad Kateb). Kateb was formed to provide support and advocacy services to the most vulnerable in that community – those newly arrived, women and youth. He was voted in as chairperson in 2009.
In 2010, Arif was awarded first place in the Australian Prime Minister Youth Forum Challenge. He was also a youth ambassador for Western Sydney (for Auburn Community Development Network) where he assisted isolated and marginalised refugee young people. Now, Arif assists families and youth from Afghan backgrounds, and people from Iran, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Bangladesh, India and China, in his role as Family and Youth Support Worker at Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre. For Arif, being a Nest youth ambassador is an opportunity to provide a voice for young Australians from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Want to have a conversation with Arif? You can contact Arif by email, Twitter or Facebook.
Dan Ryan
As the 2012 United Nations Youth Representative, Dan is currently on a listening tour where he is connecting with young people around the country. He will be presenting their views in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in September. Dan is driven by his vision of converting optimistic views to positive action and revealing on a global stage that Australian youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today.
The Adelaide born 24-year-old is the eldest of six home-schooled siblings and is the first South Australian United Nations Youth Representative for Australia. By listening to young people, Dan is constantly learning about new and inspiring ways social change can be achieved. That’s why he has joined us as a youth ambassador for The Nest – because he is keen to contribute to a national plan for child and youth wellbeing.
Want to have a conversation with Dan? You can contact him on Twitter or Facebook.
Sarah Thomas
Sarah is a 19-year-old who wants to make a difference in a practical and proactive way. She supports a number of charities and organisations, including World Vision Australia, Rotary International, and the Bayside City Council Frezza group. Awarded the 2009 Young Citizen of Bayside, Melbourne-based Sarah was also a finalist in the 2009 Pride of Australia Medal (young leader category). In 2011, she started an International Development degree at Latrobe University, which will enable her to pursue a career in humanitarian aid. Through her role as a youth ambassador for The Nest, Sarah is keen to engage with young Australians from all walks of life and advocate for their rights and access to opportunities and services.
If you are in Melbourne or surrounding areas, Sarah would love to visit your school or youth group to talk about the project, or you can chat with her on Twitter or Facebook.
Lia Ursich
Lia is a 24-year-old summer-lovin', perpetual procrastinator who is currently studying a diploma in Community Services while volunteering for a number of youth organisations and initiatives. In 2003, she left school to pursue business studies. In 2007, however, Lia found her passion for working with young people and she started volunteering for the Inspire Foundation – an organisation dedicated to helping young Australians lead happier lives. Western Australian-based Lia is incredibly enthusiastic about youth engagement and development, which is why she is so excited about being a youth ambassador for The Nest.
Want to have a conversation with Lia? You can contact her on Twitter and Facebook.