“I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.” This is a quote said by the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah. I have never imagined that this would be the quote that defines who I really am, and to be honest, no one around me did. Of course, they didn’t imagine because my dream was to be a pharmacist, but things didn’t go in that direction.
I felt lost and didn’t know what to do next. I got my bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature, which was so far from my dream, but I had to move on to figure out what I really wanted.
One day I participated in a student activity at Cairo University, which was a simulation model of the African Union. I met fellows from different countries, and this was the turning point in my life. I felt that there was another part of the world I must know more about. I am Egyptian, and Egypt is located in North Africa. I belong to this world.
Since then, I have dedicated all my efforts to know Africa and serve it. I thought that the best way to achieve my dream is to work in the diplomatic corps. I applied twice, studied for more than 5 years, and although I was so close, I couldn’t make it.
You can imagine my feelings then, but after all the frustration and tears, I decided to continue no matter what. I got a postgraduate diploma in conflicts and crisis management in Africa. Through my work, I managed to become a trainer, supporting young African leadership in online schools. I can say now proudly that I have friends in 54 African countries.
In 2019, I was the first Egyptian winner of the Young African Leaders Award for visionary leadership in The Gambia. This was the moment I realized that my passion was worth it. And now, I am waiting for my deployment with the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps.
I will not stop following my passion. I will continue to do more by going the extra mile to serve all my African people. My story will continue until I see my dream of making Mama Africa the greatest continent come true.