By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A VOLUNTEER leader from a Muslim community group in Casey admits he feels added responsibility in his role following last month’s shooting outside the Endeavour Hills police station.
OneVisionAid liaison officer Jamshed Akbar said the members of the group, formed in April, felt a burning need to help Muslim youth of Casey who may be struggling with a range of issues.
“I see myself as a mentor to these people that are in their teens,” he said.
“As a mentor we can guide these youth to abide by the law, to understand the rights of community and give back to society. We’re trying to play that bigger role.
“What we’re trying to show is that Islam doesn’t condone it, it doesn’t support these actions.”
Numan Haider, 18, was fatally shot outside the Endeavour Hills police station last month, after stabbing a Victorian Police officer and an Australian Federal Police member.
OneVisionAid was formed by Mr Akbar and is co-ordinated by several Muslim volunteers based in Casey.
“It’s important because we’re engaging the Berwick community, we need to engage the youth in the local community to get together and discuss certain issues,” Mr Akbar said.
“Our group is for all the youth who may have issues in the community, issues relating to depression, issues relating to substance abuse, personal identity issues.
“We’re there to help all youth but we’re also looking for youth that are in trouble.”
This weekend OneVisionAid will hold a special soccer competition, in an attempt to bring the Islamic community together in a statement of unity.
Mr Akbar said the competition would be the stepping stone to other sporting events to be organised by OneVisionAid.
“The soccer tournament aims at delivering a strong message to the youth in our local community about unity and peace,” he said.
“It suggests to them, no matter where they are from, they are always welcome to share their ideas, their issues and their concerns with us.
“We will hopefully have a survey which will engage with the youth and their issues. It will be anonymous and it will give us an indication as to what kind of community building projects we need to work on.”
In addition to their focus of aiding youths throughout the municipality, the group also sponsors orphans in Afghanistan.
“We saw the youth in Afghanistan suffering in the news,” Mr Akbar said.
“There are issues everywhere, so I thought it was time we find a solution to this. Instead of pointing the finger, it’s time we point the finger at ourselves.”
The tournament will be held on Sunday 12 October from 10am in Springvale North. For more information visit www.onevisionaid.org.
