Last summer, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks teaching adult Tibetan refugees English and computer skills at Tibetan Transit School (TTS) in Dharamsala, India. While interacting with my students, I was so moved by their determination and optimism, despite their struggle for freedom, that it motivated me to promote their cause. I did so by communicating the Tibetan way of life through a photo feature, and composing a fusion music CD from which sales proceeds were sent back to the school.
Additionally, while working in remote rural villages on a microfinance project in Kenya, I realised what a difference the standard $3 (Dh11) loan could make to a poor family. I then embarked on a branding exercise, which helped microfinance company K-Rep Fedha Services Pvt Ltd combat competition from richer, profit-oriented banks.
Helping others felt good. It made me think — was I the only one of my generation who was trying to make a difference? Thankfully, not. Following a search, it did not take me long to find other young enterprising individuals from the UAE who were doing their bit to empower communities. We profile them in a two-part series starting today. The second part will be published on July 16.
