The Punchbowl Boys’ High School student, 18, has already published his first book of poetry, ‘River’, and will spend his HSC year in 2021, working on another.
After that he will concentrate on writing his first novel, he says, and hopes to fit in journalism study and a career along the way.
Principal Robert Patruno says the Sydney Story Factory, where volunteer tutors help students develop their love of words, helped Jihad on his way.
“He published ‘River’ through the group at the end of last year and we are very pleased with his efforts,” Mr Patruno said.
Jihad’s English teacher Francis Floresca is also impressed.
“I am very proud of him and his progress,” she said.
Jihad says he has always been in love with books.
“I love the idea of fantasy, being taken to another place by reading, feeling something different, creating a world where anything is possible for other people,” he said.
“I want to give people a way to express themselves if they don’t know how to. People read books to find inspiration of any sort, whether a poetry or a business book. That’s my goal – to help people.”
To obtain a copy of ‘River’, go to storyfactory.org.au.
