TAFE teacher and former refugee Naseer Naseer was recently invited by one of his Diploma of Community Services students, Mrs Moe Ahmu from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Campbelltown congregation to share his story with local youth.
Naseer shared with the youth of how he as a young boy became stateless when he became separated from his family and some of his older siblings. Still able to attend school though, he distinguished himself as a top student.
Through his love of languages and literature at high school, Naseer was accepted into university to study English and literature. Naseer’s great determination and desire to improve and be educated was the driving force that lead to him to embark on the journey into the unknown, one that eventually brought him to Australia as a refugee 16 years ago.
Naseer is pictured here with the group of young people (second row 3rd from left) along with Church leader Stake President Morgan Jones (3rd row- first on the left)
Despite humble beginnings, Naseer attained several degrees in Education and recently completed a degree in law. He is a devoted teacher who also contributes his time to the Community Service Sector in counselling displaced people and for Wesley Mission.
Kirwin Murrin, 16, responded to Naseer’s address by saying that he felt lucky to have the educational opportunities freely available in Australia and that he wanted to make better use of these. He was amazed that Naseer started with nothing and achieved so much.
Naseer’s success can certainly be attributed to his perseverance and positive outlook which is encompassed in his philosophy in life to always look on the bright side.