Queen's Service Medal (QSM) - Afifie Scafi Harris

A Queen's Service Medal (QSM) is a special honour accorded to those in our society who have worked tirelessly for others. Mrs Afifie Scafi Harris is just such a person and last weekend was honoured with receiving that prestigious award.

In a private ceremony with about 80 of her closest friends, and accompanied by her husband and 3 sons, she received the accolades of her community with dignity and joy.

Afife's contribution to the community include:

Raised money for different schools (Logan Park High School, Dunedin North Intermediate and Opoho School).

Raised money for Christchurch Earthquake recovery and the Mayoral Relief Fund (2010).

Raised money for Amnesty International.

Raised money for Te Aho Matatu/Centre for Translational Cancer Research (2014).

Organised driving lessons for Syrian women refugees.

Organised people from different cultures to cook online with the Otago Daily Times ‘Flavours of Home’ project (2009-2014).

President of the Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council in 2015.

Coordinator for the Chai and Chat program for migrant women in Dunedin (2012-2015)

Organised free English and computer classes at the North East Valley community centre (2015-2016).

Taught Arabic language at University of Otago Summer School

Served on the committee of the Cedars of Lebanon Club for over 10 years.