Prakash Gurung in-between his two friends

In Adelaide’s northern suburbs, strong community connections are built in many different ways. For 23-year-old Nepali Australian Prakash Gurung, community is simply a way of life. Through his studies in public health and his work mentoring local youth, he is helping ensure the cycle of giving back continues throughout his local community.

“I want to make sure people are not blindly swayed or influenced by the messaging around them; that’s a big reason why I’m studying public health,” Prakash said. “I want people to realise their potential and be the best version of themselves – the flow on effect of that is that these people go on to inspire others to be the best version of themselves.”

This philosophy corresponds seamlessly into his teachings as a volunteer at the Ruhi Institute, an educational institution inspired by the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith.

“We educate the youth on how to build the capacity to give back to their community and the ways in which they can do so,” he said.

According to Prakash, the ethos behind the Ruhi Institute’s teachings is similar to that of public health. “The individual and collective society are completely connected - they improve each other,” he said.

Prakash was once a student at the institute himself and now helps guide the next generation to contribute to their local communities. He is a part of a volunteer team of about 10 people that catch up daily and facilitate activities, including running the classes for more than 50 youth between the ages of 12 and 15.

“We work together to contribute to the betterment of our neighbourhood,” Prakash said. “It’s really all about friendship. By serving closely together, we become true friends while trying to bring out the best version of ourselves.”

It is because of this ideology that Prakash does not view himself as a volunteer.

“I don’t like calling myself a volunteer,” he said. “It’s just a responsibility as members of society. Helping out, if I’m available, is just one of my principles.”

Throughout his time as a mentor, more than 100 young people have gone through the program, about 40 percent of whom now run activities in their own local communities.

Additionally, Prakash tutors many Nepali and African youth who live in his local area, around Elizabeth Vale and Elizabeth Grove.

“It’s important that we understand our culture, so we can appreciate the beauty of it,” he said. “Australia is so wonderfully diverse. I want these people to have the ability to both preserve and share it with those who aren’t Nepali.”

Prakash has observed a huge change in the young people’s attitude towards learning. “They’ve gone from ‘Why would I even want to do this?’ to, ‘Tell me more’ in such a short period of time.”

For Prakash, community can be found and cultivated everywhere. Whether supporting the broader public through his studies, preserving cultural connections through tutoring, or mentoring youth in his local area, he is committed to helping people realise their potential and strengthening the communities around him.