The Year 12 student arrived in Australia two years ago with very little English.
Now he has become a voice for young people in the region.
“On behalf of my job as a youth adviser, I will attend Youth Parliament to represent Shepparton and Goulburn Valley,” he said.
“It’s a really great honour to me, to my family”.
Safa works as a youth engagement officer and youth adviser for state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe.
“I attended (Youth Parliament) last year, and it was a really exciting opportunity to visit Parliament House for such a fantastic initiative,” he said.
“I also had the opportunity to introduce myself and share my experiences as a youth leader — an opportunity I look forward to again this year.”
Youth Parliament brings together young people from across Victoria to debate issues and advocate for change on matters important to their communities.
Over almost 40 years, Youth Parliament attendees have influenced around 60 pieces of state legislation.
“It is important that the youth of the state get to have their voices heard and raise matters that are important to them,” Safa said.
Advocating for young people has become a key focus for Safa, who helped facilitate Greater Shepparton's first Youth Leadership Forum, which brought 28 young leaders from different schools together.
“Following on from the Shepparton Youth Leadership Forum back in May, it will be great to hear from other young people more broadly,” he said.
“I am sure I will come away with many important issues that are raised.”
Safa and Ms O'Keeffe will also host participants from this year's Shepparton Youth Leadership Forum at Parliament House in July, where they will learn about the history and functions of Victoria's parliamentary system.
Now preparing for his second Youth Parliament, Safa hopes to continue advocating for young people.
“It’s a great honour for me to show my support to my community and bring their voice to the state level,” he said.
