WA Mentor Embraces Role at Bachar Houli Academy Camp

Teenage Muslim women have been mentored by West Australian Football Commission Multicultural Officer Pinar Komur as part of an ongoing program at the Bachar Houli Foundation.

Last week, The Bachar Houli Senior Girls Leadership Academy Camp was held in Melbourne.

The Academy is a residential camp for Muslim girls between the ages of 15 and 17 and focuses on increasing physical activity to promote health and well-being, identity, and leadership.

The Leadership Camp aims to build confidence for Muslim women in sport, in the workplace and in society.

Run by experienced coaches, the program provides an industry-leading standard curriculum.

Komur has praised the role the camp played for those who attended.

“Honestly, every single girl was engaged and attentive.

It was an honour to mentor the girls.

As a Muslim teen growing up in Perth in the 80s and 90s, my community never had opportunities like Bachar is offering.

Being able to explain my journey and the challenges I’ve faced will hopefully help these young women with the obstacles they may confront.

My role also involved giving advice and support to anyone who wanted to improve their physical and mental health,” Komur said.

The camp included a range of activities and tasks:

• Team values

• Team bonding

• Goal setting

• Nutrition Information Session

• Fitness session and boxing session

• Mental health session

• Football session

• Art session

• Volunteering with Homeless aid (feeding the homeless)

• MCG Tour

• Triple H Session – (Highlights/Hardships/Heroes)

• Volunteering with Homeless aid (feeding the homeless)

Komur wants to replicate the camp in Perth, giving Muslim women similar opportunities in WA.

“The Academy camp provides so many development skills which weren’t available when I was growing up.

To establish an Academy in Perth is a dream of mine which I’m sure would be embraced by Muslims in this state,” Komur said.

Komur’s message in Melbourne was clear.

“Aim high in life and be proud of your identity as a Muslim woman in Australia.

Look after your mental health and importantly, go out to your community, identify any problems and work towards fixing them.

Leadership is about taking charge even when it feels uncomfortable,” she said.