By Alesha Capone
Mehak Sheikh says her parents, religious beliefs and a desire to maintain her place of belonging have all contributed to her desire to help others.
The Tarneit resident is a prolific volunteer, involved with many organisations including headspace Werribee, Wyndham council’s Youth Council Committee, the Welcome Dinner Project and the DiverCities Network (Australasia).
Ms Sheikh, 22, also runs her own social enterprise, U-Learn, which offers free and low-cost workshops to people who are going through life transitions such as starting high school or a new job.
On average, she spends three days a week lending her time to not-for-profit causes and social enterprises.
This has led to Ms Sheikh, 22, being nominated for the Saward Dawson Community Service and Social Impact Award at this year’s Seven News Young Achiever Awards.
Ms Sheikh said when she was growing up and living in Kenya, her parents would drive to a children’s orphanage with crates of milk and bread.
“They didn’t just talk about it, they walked the walk,” she said.
Ms Sheikh said her religion also inspired her to do community work.
“As a practicing Muslim, my understanding of the core of Islam is humanity, even before spirituality, and it just feels so right,” she said.
“Everything I have critically read about and assessed has always boiled down to doing good with the people around you, your neighbours, your family and friends, and your community.”
The Seven News Young Achiever Awards will be announced on May 10.
