WZCC Sydney

It was a WZCC forum in April 2008 where the youth were conspicuously absent that led Shiraz Contractor, Sharmin Adaggra and Karishma Sarkari to create a Youth Enhancement Program under the WZCC aegis, as notes an e-mail from the Australian Zoroastrian Association (AZA) of New South Wales. With the kick-off planned for July 19, 2008 at AZA House, the program is based on the corner-stones of learning, sharing, networking and growing and is aimed at the 18 to 40 age group. The focus of the first of four events to be held quarterly is "The business of networking.”

The program handout notes, "Networking means that we give and receive our knowledge, time and experience to others within our community. By working together we improve our skills and strengthen our character both as individuals and as a community.

"Learning means that we are open to new ideas and that we are willing to expand our thinking by looking to each other for knowledge and inspiration. It means we are willing to learn, unlearn and relearn.

From left: Karishma Sarkari, Shiraz Contractor and Sharmin Adaggra

"Sharing means that we think about others and how we may be able to share our knowledge and experience and resources to help our fellow community members in whatever we can — unconditionally.

"Growing means that we relentlessly seek out new ways of doing the things we already do. It means that we support one another, we listen to one another and we take active steps to help one another reach their business goals.”

Urging greater community participation in the series "designed to give our youth practical advice and tips across a wide range of business/employment related topics,” the AZA management committee notes, "Whether our future torchbearers are employed or self-employed, is irrelevant; these forums are for them.”