“I find satisfaction in listening, empathizing with, and supporting others”
“I believe in education, and encouraging others to read, learn, be curious and benefit others”
For most people, taking a ‘vacation’means relaxing; whether it’s spending time with family, cocooning at home, or trawling the mall with friends. But for Aya Farah, an Emirati human resources professional,‘vacation’ is the opportunity torealize a dream, of bringing smiles to the faces of children in Africa. This is her story…
“I’ve been all around the world, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Germany…in fact name a country and I have probably travelled there. Growing up I was always curious and unpredictable. I adapted well to every culture I was exposed to, and I made friends quickly.
“During these amazing experiences I used to take moments of silence, observing my surroundings and thanking God for the gift of being able to explore the world. But I always had a feeling of dissatisfaction. In my mind I was determined to do something else…
“I always thought about kids living in poverty; those who can’t see what I see, and those who may not eat for days. I decided to volunteer and do charity work in Africa. I could picture myself surrounded by African kids,with me feeding them, talking to them and laughing with them, giving them gifts, and helping them get an education.The feeling was so real that it sometimes made my eyes water just thinking about it.
“I didn’t want to join organizations here. I wanted to go out there and get involved; I wanted to experience everything from start to end, and to prove to myself and to the world that ‘if you want to do it, you can’.So I started looking for African organizations to volunteer with. I sent emails and I called some, but my attempts were unsuccessful – until March 2015! That was when I came across a man called Lanre Lewis who wasa Nigerian/British online coach living in England. I told Lanre about my dream, and he later became my coach. Lanreworked in a seasonal camp at a local Nigerian-run NGO organization in Lagos called Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI). The organizationempowers, educates, and inspires youth. One of their missions is to educate kids agedsix to 16 about HIV, malaria, personal hygiene, sexual harassment and team building.
I sent the organization my CV, and they accepted me. When I told my family they were concerned about my safety in Nigeria, but when they realized how much I wanted to go, they gave me their acceptance and permission.
Two weeks before the trip, my mentor coached me on how to arrive at the airport on how to deal with people and what to expect. He shared with me pictures of the streets, restaurants, schools and markets, and he gave me a crash course about Nigerian culture and beliefs. I joined Nigerian groups on Facebook, and I had a Nigerian lady in Abu Dhabi cook for me to getused to their food.I also learned a little African dance so I could participate in dancing activities with the kids. Ibasically wanted to be part of everything; I wanted to blend in and to feel at home.
In August I finally took a plane to Lagos.When I arrived, YEDI’s management and team treated me very well, as if they knew
me for ages. I spent two weeks in Lagos. During my days at the camp I lived each and every moment,wanting to store every small memory. I worked closely with the different groups; we gave out food, gifts and educational materials. I even gave out tshirtswith the UAE’s flag on them.
I especially liked the learning circles, and I loved running, dancing and playing with the kids. There were lots of emotions, involving happiness, sadness, curiosity and awareness; we laughed a lot and I got a lot of hugs. I’m happy thatI found my passion. In fact YEDI has asked me to go back next summer.
I have so many stories to tell my family and friends, andI want to give motivational speeches to change people lives. I went to Nigeria and came back a different person; I have a higher level of appreciation for my life, for other people, for my country, my family and friends.
YEDI’s website: http://www.yedi.ng/
{gallery}I Heart Africa- October 2015{/gallery}
