Youth Week interview with Liverpool Youth Council chair Fariha Dean

What motivated you to apply to be part of the Youth Council?

I applied to be a part of the Youth Council as it offered me a platform to advocate for my fellow community members and drive tangible, positive change.

As a Muslim, the values of social justice and community service are ingrained within my religion. Motivated by saying from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) “The most beloved of people to God is the one who is most helpful to people”, I felt a profound sense of duty to leverage my skills for the betterment of others and to uplift disadvantaged groups in my community.

Having grown up in Liverpool, I have also witnessed the challenges faced by young people, particularly those intricately linked to the area's low socio-economic conditions. I have observed a concerning lack of health literacy among many young individuals in my community. As a medical student, I recognise the critical role that socio-economic factors play in shaping health outcomes, as well as the importance of community engagement and leadership in addressing such issues.

The Youth Council has provided an invaluable opportunity to address these intertwined issues, connect with my community, develop my leadership abilities, and ultimately work towards improving public health outcomes as a future doctor.

As a young person living in Liverpool, what types of discrimination do you think young people face?

I believe that discrimination has affected our generation in nuanced ways. As a generation of activists, we are confident and outspoken in expressing our views, yet this very courage has sometimes made us targets for discrimination. Our eagerness to advocate for change and challenge societal norms often puts us at odds with entrenched power structures and traditional mindsets, leading to instances of marginalisation, prejudice, and discrimination. 

This reality can be witnessed first-hand in the responses to the ongoing Palestine-Israel war, where young pro-Palestinian supporters, including myself, who are driven by principles of justice and the sanctity of human life, are facing discrimination for our beliefs. Because we support a free, unoccupied Palestine, we are experiencing obstacles in accessing opportunities in workplaces and schools, finding our freedom of speech restricted, and facing increased racism with Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Jewish communities being particularly targeted. 

Why is Youth Week (11-21 April) important and how do you get involved?

Youth Week is a NSW Government initiative that began in 1989 and has since grown to a week-long celebration in communities across the state. Organised by young people for young people, Youth Week serves as a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the progress made in supporting youth livelihood and encourages active engagement within the community.

During Youth Week 2024, the LYC collaborated with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship to host free workshops on Adaptive Leadership. These workshops aimed to equip young individuals with essential skills and insights to navigate and lead effectively in today's dynamic world. Through such initiatives, we strive to empower youth to realise their potential, cultivate their leadership skills, and contribute positively to our community's growth and development.

To get involved in Youth Week in 2025, visit www.nsw.gov.au or contact your local council.