Luul Ibrahim

We are all connect in one way or another

I believe that we are connected in one way or another and that we generally strive to be our best. But sometimes, one has to fall in order to regain its power. These powers are like the human equivalent of solar energy: they regenerate through our hardship and resilience.

I am a volunteer who was raised by a generation of volunteers. I'm a firm believer in education, working in early childhood education for over 7 years. I have completed a number of different qualifications and certificates over the years and am in the process of completing one more: my Bachelor of Education.

Our scars have stories and purposes, and different scars tell different stories. I’ve watched my friends go through drugs and alcohol, mental health and suicide, racism, and prejudice in the past.

On March 15, 2019, my own 3-year-old brother, Muad, was killed in the Christchurch Mosque Terrorist attacks. 50 other families lost someone they loved too, and for what? For being different.

Standing in the middle of a hallway, gathering for the family victims, waiting for bodies to return to their families, I realised that the government was not trained to deal with something like this.

There were so many organisations at that time, yet they have decided to hire more workers from states interpreters to social workers. Our communities – CaLD communities – were already contributing, yet remained unnoticed.

It makes me think: “What if something happened to us here – an earthquake or an attack. Who are the community leaders and why are they not noticed? Aren’t they part of this society? I need to wake up do my part!”

I had no professional mentor and no experience in leadership. For 2 years, not one community leader ever thought about mentoring me or ever setting down with me and ask what I was trying to achieve?

So I woke up.

I taught myself. Join different organisations and local governments to learn. I founded the Somali Support Perth, a non-profit organisation that aims to build capacity and provide a network for the community. I am part of different community organisations.

I am also part of a network of survivors and victims of violent extremism and terrorism who are telling their stories to promote harmony and unity in Australia.

Why do we sing if our song doesn't mean anything?

We are one, but we are many.

And from all the lands on earth we come. We'll share a dream and sing with one voice. "I am, you are, we are Australian".

I am proud to be an Australian, New Zealander, Somali, African, Muslim woman.

I am Luul Ibrahim, and this is my story.