1. Can you tell us about your experiences on your Global Co-op in Africa so far? What projects have you been involved in?
My experiences on global co-op have been incredibly varied. I’ve written blog posts, grant proposals, drafted annual reports, gone on field trips, and since the earthquake I’ve been directly involved with distributing relief to communities in need. My organization is the High Atlas Foundation and it is located in Marrakech, Morocco.
2. How has this experience impacted on your personal and professional growth? Have you faced any challenges, and how did you overcome them?
These experiences have impacted my personal and professional growth by challenging me in ways I never could have imagined. One of the many challenges I faced was integrating myself and becoming comfortable with Moroccan culture. I was able to overcome this challenge by finding two Moroccan roommates from Marrakech and living with them. They showed me the ropes and taught me things I never would have learned without them.
3. What motivated you to apply for Northeastern University’s Young Global Leader grant for Global Co-op, and how has it contributed to your overall experience?
I was inspired to apply for YGL after reading the stories posted on the website. So far, being a young global leader has allowed me to live in Marrakech as an unpaid intern and pursue my goals without worrying about financial stress.
4. In what ways do you believe this Global Co-op opportunity aligns with your long-term educational and career goals? In terms of my long term educational and career goals, this global co-op has given me international work experience, something which I wish to continue after graduation. Before coming, I wanted to expand my educational learning to settings outside of the traditional classroom, and while working here I have learned and experienced a new culture, new languages, and meaningful work experiences that will translate to my school work and to my professional life for years to come.
5. What skills or knowledge have you gained during your time in Africa that you believe will be valuable for your future endeavors?
- I have learned that I can not only survive but thrive in situations well outside of my comfort zone.
- I have learned how to work on a multicultural team consisting of a wide variety of different languages and cultures.
- I have learned that the best solutions are community driven. I am here not to be the solution, but to help empower communities to find their own solutions alongside the High Atlas Foundation.
6. How have you been able to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the community during your Global Co-op?
Yes, by roommating with 2 Moroccans in a non-touristic neighborhood of Marrakech, I have been able to fully experience and immerse myself in real Moroccan culture. By being in an environment where Darija is spoken at home, meals are cooked and eaten together, and food and supplies are bought at the local neighborhood market, I have learned things that I would have never been able to while living alone. I have made connections with not only my roommates, but with members of the community and in turn I have become a part of the community.
7. Can you share a specific example of a successful outcome or achievement from your work in Africa that you are particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of my involvement in collecting donations from a local school to benefit those affected by the September 8th earthquake. After picking up the donations, they were loaded onto a truck and I accompanied the truck driver and another HAF employee in driving into the Atlas Mountains to distribute the supplies in several villages. To see the process of donation to distribution was particularly powerful.
8. How have you collaborated with local organizations or partners to address challenges and make a positive impact in the region?
HAF prides itself in working alongside local communities. On numerous occasions, I have been on trips to local communities to assess their needs, assist in their projects, and after the earthquake, ti distribute aid. Currently, I am engaging on trips to communities in order to assess earthquake damage and to talk with community members on what supplies they need and what we can do to best help them. By first listening to communities, we are able to better respond and provide specific relief, such as tents, blankets, food, cleaning supplies, and more.
9. What have you learned about the social, economic, or environmental issues specific to the African region during your Global Co-op? Environmentally, water is a big problem in this region. The water table is lower than ever due to the misuse of water for golf courses, growing water melons, and general inefficient use. While this is a global issue, the effects are clearly seen in Morocco, as at HAF we work alongside communities to dig wells and provide communities with drinking water and irrigation systems for fruit trees and agricultural projects.
10. How do you plan to leverage your experiences and knowledge gained in Africa to make a difference in your home country or on a global scale?
I plan to leverage my experience to share what I have learned and spread awareness about the issues faced in Morocco, but also to promote the beautiful culture and people that live here. I plan to use this experience in my future career as I plan to continue the field of work after graduation and hopefully continue to have a positive impact globally in my work, and this experience will be helpful in finding a job.
11. What is your message to YGL Northeastern? My message is thank you YGL for funding opportunities such as mine!
Without your help, I never would have been able to accept this opportunity and I would have missed out on a meaningful and life changing experience. By providing this scholarship, you are supporting and inspiring young leaders to create a positive impact on the world!
12. What are your messages for future recipients and students going to Africa for Global co – op in the future?
My message to any future YGL recipients going to Africa is to fully commit! Africa is very different culturally and it can be very intimidating at first, but if you make a real effort to learn the culture, meet local people, eat the local foods, and learn the local language, you will be able to fully immerse yourself and take full advantage of your situation!