MUSLIM YOUTH KAIMAHI - Purapura Whetu Trust, Christchurch

Why I Accepted the Role

I studied civil/humanitarian engineering and so this role might seem like a strange shift. Growing up in NZ, I battled with many issues. Instead of receiving support, I was given detention after detention, which exacerbated the issue. I know how it feels to struggle growing up in NZ as an ethnic minority or someone who is not understood. Finding a way forward seems pointless at times. A major turning point in my life allowed me to discover who I truly am and what brings me fulfillment. Recently, Purapura Whetu Trust in collaboration with Hagley College, appointed me as a Muslim Youth worker in Christchurch.

Now, I wish to give my time in helping other Muslim youth in NZ who are also struggling, yet have no one they can connect with. Someone who does not judge and can help with navigating through life.

Muslim Youth Kaimahi

My role as a Muslim Youth Kaimahi (Worker) is flexible, meaning it depends on what you want out of it. Below are some of the areas that I can support you with. However, they can be adapted and tailored depending on what you want to get out of our time.

• Have regular one on one sessions where we build a relationship so you can share your challenges and we can navigate pathways for you to break past the things that are holding you back in life

• Link you to various organizations that are focused on providing youth with services such as self-leadership, capacity building and physical well-being

• Connect you to services like clinical psychologists who can give you professional guidance on how to manage thoughts and emotions

• Organize group sessions with other youth where you can build trust and confidence with your peers. A place where people can break past their fear of speaking their thoughts and being judged

• Introduce you to an Imam who has knowledge of the Deen and can support you spiritually in regards to questions you may have
  

I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,
Bariz