UWA alumni supporting the Young Australian of the Year
The University of Western Australia has awarded Law, Science and Arts student Akram Azimi, 2013's Young Australian of the Year, with a $20,000 grant to continue his award-winning community work while still being able to focus on his studies.
This grant gives me the chance to help others in ways I could not otherwise achieve and is a great example of how UWA, and its alumni group, empower students to give back meaningfully to the community.
I will endeavour to pass on UWA’s kindness in kind to others in our national and international community.
Akram Azimi
The funds for this grant were provided by donations from the generous UWA alumni through the Annual Fund appeals. Donations from our alumni provide invaluable support and make a real difference to the lives of our students.
Akram said he was extremely grateful to the University and the alumni for its generous support.
Born in the war-torn city of Kabul in Afghanistan, Akram and his family arrived in Australia in 1999 with little more than the clothes on their backs. After an initial period of struggling financially and culturally, Akram and his family found their place – their sense of belonging – in Perth.
Whilst studying to complete three undergraduate degrees at UWA, Akram became involved in student-led social justice initiatives at the University and has spent five years working with True Blue Dreaming to mentor young Indigenous people from WA's Kimberley region.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson and the University encourage all students to use their skills and opportunities to make a positive difference to the lives of others, whether locally, nationally or internationally.
“Akram is already making a difference to many young people. The University congratulates him on being named 2013 Young Australian of the Year and commends him for his efforts to support others on campus and beyond.”