Naomi’s mission to make a change in the world
At 21 years old, Naomi Brooks has travelled to remote parts of the world — ones often perceived as dangerous — with one goal: to help others.
Pride of Australia
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Naomi Brooks doesn’t want to change the world, she just wants to make a change.
At 21 years old, she’s travelled to remote parts of the world — ones often perceived as dangerous — with one goal: to help.
She’s volunteered across Africa — in Rwanda and more recently Mombasa, in Kenya, completing an International Medical Aid internship at the Port Reitz Mental Health Hospital where she organised fundraisers to buy the facility mattresses for their patients.
“That experience was eye opening to say the least,” she said.
“We raised enough for 76 mattresses for them.
“They tend to eat the mattresses because they’re hungry or rip them up as part of their mental illness.
“(But) I was there when they received the first lot of mattresses and I’ve never been more appreciated in my life than I was in that moment.”
Nearing the end of a double degree in science (psychology) and global studies, Ms Brooks is passionate about social justice and helping those less fortunate — and now hopes to continue her work funding projects in developing countries, knowing just how much difference the slightest help can make.
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And it is these actions that have earned Ms Brooks a Pride of Australia nomination.
“I used to go to the supermarket at night (in Mombasa) and take as many loaves of bread as I could the next day,” she said of her work.
“What I’m hoping to do is make some impact of my own and in doing so encourage others to do the same or at least recognise … we need to pay more attention.”
“We have a responsibility to act for others when they can’t act themselves.
“We’re very privileged here.”
Do you know a local hero or someone in the community who deserves recognition? Nominate them here: www.heraldsun.com.au/news/pride-of-australia