Mohamud Hassan Mohamed, a Mt Roskill resident and former Puketāpapa Youth Board member, was named a Kiwibank Local Hero Medalist for his service to the community late last year.
Puketāpapa Local Board congratulated Mohamed on being honoured with the medal.
The 25-year-old AUT student got involved in community service he says, because of his passion and commitment to social justice issues, human rights, gender equality, youth development and supporting refugee and migrant communities.
“My life experience resonates with fellow former refugee youth and migrants who come to New Zealand hoping to one day positively contribute to New Zealand,” he says.
Mohamed and his family came to New Zealand from Somalia as refugees. He was 8 at the time and didn’t know a word of English.
Being on the Puketāpapa Youth Board
Mohamed acknowledges how being on the Puketāpapa Youth Board (formerly known as the Youth Caucus) helped him gain a better understanding of how local government worked.
“Being on the Youth Caucus in 2014, I gained an appreciation for how local boards shape our local communities. I learnt the different roles and responsibilities of central and local government,” he says.
Puketāpapa Youth Board gives young people, from the local area which encompasses Hillsborough, Lynfield, Mt Roskill, Roskill South, Three Kings, Waikowhai and Wesley, an opportunity to develop projects, provide youth perspectives on community issues, advocate on matters affecting youth and work closely with Puketāpapa Local Board.
“Puketāpapa Youth Board is an exciting initiative for the board," says Puketāpapa Local Board Chair Harry Doig.
"We get a chance to hear the voices of our young people and support them to share their ideas, concerns and perspectives.”
Puketāpapa Local Board has recently welcomed new members for the 2018 board.
Mohamed says he would continue to play his part in building a more diverse, inclusive society. “I am very grateful to be recognized and thankful to everyone who has helped me in my journey,” he says.
