Elminur is currently an Occupational Therapy student at the University of South Australia and is set to graduate at the end of this year!
She was also accepted into this year’s cohort of the Welcoming Futures Leadership program (which is on hold due to COVID-19). Currently, she is applying for the NSW Interpreter Scholarship Program, and has received the support of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), who will sponsor her enrolment fees for the program. Congrats!
Elminur arrived in Australia in 2009 and learned how to read and write in Uyghur at the Uighur Language School in South Australia. Now, she volunteers at the school with children aged 4-6, and has been doing so for the past seven years. Her main role is assisting the teachers and helping with the lessons and activities.
Elminur also volunteered at her local preschool and was hired as a Bilingual School Service Officer last year. Her role is helping Uyghur children transition into school life.
Elminur is an active member of People of East Turkistan, where she works on various projects like letter writing campaigns to Members of Parliament. The group also attends protests, volunteers at events, and host events themselves as well. You can watch her in one of their videos here:
She was also featured in a video for SBS World News, where she speaks about the situation in East Turkestan. You can watch it here: Australia's Uyghur Community Speaks Out
Good luck with your work and studies, Elminur!