He does this through his work as president of the Organization of African Communities.
Now
the Wanneroo resident has been recognized as a finalist in the
community category of the 2018 Western Australian of the Year Awards.
Mr Tuazama came to Perth in 2008 as a refugee from war-torn Liberia.
Understanding
the challenges faced by refugees and migrants to WA, he acted on the
need to engage and educate African youth and the communities where they
live.
He created partnerships with local and State Government
agencies and developed programs to empower young men and women from a
diverse range of African backgrounds and to provide them with leadership
skills, as well as a sense of belonging and pride.
These initiatives have helped develop strategic policies to address issues faced by migrant groups.
Over
the past four years, Mr Tuazama has also organized several major events
that showcase and promote many aspects of African cultural heritage,
helping to build and promote greater community harmony.
He is also
a White Ribbon ambassador to to prevent men’s violence against women
and is on the City of Wanneroo’s Multicultural Advisory Committee.
He said being nominated for the award felt “very good”.
“I have done a lot for 10 years and everything I do is free; I don’t get paid,” he said.
He said being nominated by someone who works on the same committee was also a great honor.
“We are just doing something to help others,” he said.
Mr Tuazama is one of 32 finalists across seven categories.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Crown Ballroom this Friday as the first official event of the WA Day long weekend.
Of the category winners, an overall Western Australian of the Year will be announced.
2018 Western Australian of the Year Awards finalists
Aboriginal Award
Gail Allison
Wayne Bergmann
Colleen Hayward AM
Glenn Pearson
Wayne Bergmann
Colleen Hayward AM
Glenn Pearson
Arts and Culture Award
John Barrington
Janet Holmes Court AC
Andrew Charles Ross
Phillip Walley-Stack
Bourby Webster
Janet Holmes Court AC
Andrew Charles Ross
Phillip Walley-Stack
Bourby Webster
Business Award
Peter Bradford
Alicia Curtis
Rick Fenny
Diane Smith-Gander
Alicia Curtis
Rick Fenny
Diane Smith-Gander
Community Award
Mike Daube AO
Garth Eichhorn
Greg Hebble
Joe Tuazama
Fadzi Whande
Garth Eichhorn
Greg Hebble
Joe Tuazama
Fadzi Whande
Professions Award
Jonathan Carapetis
Harvey Millar
Robert Newton
Deborah Terry AO
James Trevelyan
Harvey Millar
Robert Newton
Deborah Terry AO
James Trevelyan
Sport Award
Ron Alexander
Andrew Liddawi
Rob Thompson
Peter Trench
Andrew Liddawi
Rob Thompson
Peter Trench
Youth Award
Shelley Cable
Luke Hallam
Zal Kanga-Parabia
Sam Moyle
Greg Hire
Luke Hallam
Zal Kanga-Parabia
Sam Moyle
Greg Hire
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