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When 21-year-old Rasheed Elachkar became a school captain during secondary studies, he knew there was no going back. He would step up and stay up, always believing in himself and his community. And he did just that.
Today Rasheed is a third-year Law student at LaTrobe University and a member of the Student Union, proud volunteer at Australian Multicultural Foundation, youth committee member at the Islamic Council of Victoria, White Ribbon Youth Ambassador, member of Muslim Professionals Association and United Nations Youth Facilitator by day (to name a few)… and a notorious social justice activist by night.
But what really drives Rasheed, who identifies himself as an Australian-Muslim with Lebanese heritage, is unity.
“My passion stems from seeking world peace, working out that we can live together creatively rather than violently. All that I produce is driven by this,” he said.
Listing identity, belonging and values as the three major challenges facing youth today – Rasheed said we all needed to act as a community to “listen, help and act.”
“Overseas we are known as Australians, in Australia we are known as foreigners – thus, for many youth members this begs the question, who are we?”
Earmarked as one of his greatest achievements, Rasheed once delivered a speech on behalf of Muslim youth at Canberra’s Parliament House and finds inspiration in many people including Prophets, political figures, family but mainly himself.
“You can look up to as many people as you want, ultimately if you cannot truly believe in yourself and your abilities, the road to success will be arduous.”
“Abu Musa reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the believers are like a structure, each one strengthening the other,” and the Prophet clasped his fingers together.”
“The Muslim community are being ridiculed, slandered and made to feel like we don’t belong. Despite all the prejudice and conflict, do not leave your people behind and do not let them suffer in silence. Change comes from within.”
Rasheed hopes to become a barrister and sees himself representing the Muslim community on a global scale in the future.
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