Australia Awards South and West Asia

Australia Awards scholars Mahpara Farrukh and Saima Mazhar from Pakistan recently completed the Leaders in Communities Award (LiCA) from the University of Melbourne. This award encourages and recognises students’ participation in volunteering and extracurricular activities, both on and off campus. Mahpara and Saima gained valuable skills and unique opportunities to engage with, as well as give back to, the community they are living in.

Volunteering is a unique way to make a difference in your community, connect with others, contribute to society and develop new skills. You can find volunteering opportunities through community organisations, libraries, charities, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), or through your University.

Mahpara and Saima are strong, passionate women who are committed to making a difference in Pakistan. We spoke to each of them about what the LiCA means to them, their Australia Awards experience, and their future aspirations.

Read Mahpara’s story	Read Saima’s story