Meet the volunteer: Najiba

Najiba was introduced to the Connections through Cooking Project while studying in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at the South Bank campus of TAFE Queensland.

She started volunteering at Coorparoo State School in March 2022.

When volunteering in the tuckshop she covers a range of tasks, including making pizzas, cutting fresh fruits, preparing ice-cream cups and washing dishes.

Najiba’s favourite thing about volunteering in the tuckshop is serving and talking to the students.

Since becoming involved in the project she has greatly improved her English, gained some valuable work experience and built some beautiful friendships.

Previous Project Manager, Parivash supported Najiba on her first day of volunteering in March 2022.

Although Najiba’s health is not in perfect condition, she continues to try her best to attend her volunteering days.

Since taking over the Project Manager role, Astri has been in regular contact with Najiba, who has continued to express how much she has enjoyed the experience.

In 2023, Najiba is keen to start working as a volunteer in the tuckshop at Yeronga State School, which will help broaden her knowledge, expose her to a different working environment and allow her to meet new people and make more friends.