The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) and the Refugee Council of Australia acknowledged the inspiring youth worker as having gone above and beyond in making a difference in the lives of refugees.
Since arriving in Australia in 2014 from Syria, Abdallah studied English at an Intensive English Centre and then completed a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Sydney University.
Joining the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN) as a volunteer Youth Ambassador in 2017, he completed his social work placement in 2019 and then took up a role as a full-time Multicultural Support Worker assisting young people on temporary visas.
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Abdallah undertook various activities in support of isolated youth including making available secondhand laptops to get young people connected on line and referrals to mental health support and counsellors.
“There are so many young people in the position I was in when I arrived,” Abdallah said. “I was lucky to overcome the challenges in a short time, allowing me to concentrate on helping others.
“I’m grateful for the award but my goal is just to support and guide as many young migrants as I can.”
Refugee champion’s rewarded over effort
SOUTH West Sydney Youth worker Abdallah Altibi (pictured) has won a 2021 Humanitarian Award in recognition of his efforts to assist newly arrived residents.
