UPG Viewer

24 Years Old

Ethiopia

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

“My journey has been one of growth and learning. In high school, I was an honor student, and I took pride in helping my classmates by tutoring them in various subjects, including Somali. I was even chosen by the students themselves to be their tutor, which was a rewarding experience.

I’ve built a strong foundation in computer basics and technical skills. I’ve gained expertise in web design using WordPress, video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, and graphic design using tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, which I learned at ZITACADEMY. I also have experience as a hardware technician.

My ultimate goal is to use my education to make a positive impact in my home country.

Professionally, I’ve worked as a sales executive in a luxury perfumes company and currently as a sales manager at Bidhaan Spareparts Company. These roles have helped me develop strong communication and business skills.

Throughout my journey, I’ve always been dedicated to learning, growing, and helping others, and I’m excited to continue this path toward achieving my goals.”

Here are my strengths that make me a strong candidate to be a UPG Sustainability Leader: 1. Leadership Skills: I have experience leading and mentoring others, including tutoring my peers and volunteering as a teacher. These roles have taught me how to inspire and guide others effectively. 2. Community Engagement: I have a strong connection to my community, having organized and participated in educational and collaborative activities that bring people together for a common purpose. 3. Problem-Solving Abilities: My background in computer programming, graphic design, and hardware technology has equipped me with analytical and creative thinking skills, allowing me to develop innovative solutions to challenges. 4. Communication Skills: My experience as a sales manager and sales executive has honed my ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and engage with diverse groups of people. 5. Passion for Sustainability: I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on the environment and society, with a focus on empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices. 6. Adaptability: My diverse experiences in education, technology, and business have made me highly adaptable and capable of learning quickly in different environments. 7. Cultural Awareness: Growing up in my home country and experiencing different perspectives have given me a strong understanding of cultural contexts, enabling me to address sustainability issues with sensitivity and inclusivity. 8. Commitment to Growth: As a lifelong learner, I am always seeking opportunities to improve myself and contribute to meaningful causes, aligning with the values of the UPG Sustainability Leaders program. These strengths position me to effectively promote sustainability, lead impactful projects, and inspire others to take action.

One of my key strengths is Community Engagement, and a time I used this strength to achieve something was during my high school years when I was chosen by my peers to tutor them in Somali and other subjects.

The principal challenged students to vote for someone they trusted to guide them academically, and my classmates chose me. I took this responsibility seriously and organized group study sessions where I simplified complex topics, encouraged participation, and motivated my peers to believe in their abilities.

This experience not only improved their academic performance but also strengthened our sense of community. It showed me the power of collaboration and the importance of empowering others through shared goals. This success has inspired me to continue working with communities to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Yes, I have experience as a volunteer. During my high school years, I volunteered as a teacher, helping my classmates with subjects they found challenging. This included tutoring them in Somali after being selected by my peers as their preferred tutor. I also volunteered in group study sessions, where I guided students to better understand their coursework and prepare for exams.

Through this experience, I learned the value of patience, effective communication, and the power of education in building confidence and improving lives. Volunteering taught me that giving your time and knowledge to others can create a ripple effect, inspiring them to support and uplift others in turn. It reinforced my belief in the importance of community and how collective efforts can lead to success for everyon

Secondary: I have completed secondary school

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would focus on creating a Sustainability Education Program for Schools.

Project Idea

The program would introduce sustainability-focused lessons and activities into local schools, teaching students about environmental conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and the importance of sustainable practices. This could include workshops, hands-on projects like recycling drives, and educational campaigns led by students.

Why This Project?

1. Empowering the Next Generation: Educating students about sustainability equips them with the knowledge and skills to make environmentally conscious decisions and inspire others.
2. Long-term Impact: By instilling these values early, we create a future generation that prioritizes sustainable living and environmental care.
3. Community Awareness: Students often influence their families, spreading awareness and encouraging sustainable practices beyond the classroom.

Implementation

I would collaborate with schools, educators, and local environmental organizations to design an engaging curriculum. The program could include interactive sessions, school gardens, and partnerships with sustainability experts. Over time, it could evolve into an annual event, like a “Sustainability Week,” where students showcase their projects and ideas to the broader community.

This initiative would create a foundation for lasting change, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core part of education and everyday life in the community.

Challenges and Solutions for the Sustainability Education Program

1. Challenge: Limited Awareness or Interest
Some schools or communities might not prioritize sustainability education due to a lack of awareness or competing priorities.

• Solution: Start by raising awareness through presentations, community events, and showcasing the long-term benefits of sustainability education. Sharing success stories from similar programs could also inspire interest and support.

2. Challenge: Funding and Resources
Implementing an educational program with workshops, materials, and hands-on activities might face budget constraints.

• Solution: Seek partnerships with local businesses, environmental organizations, and government programs that support educational or environmental initiatives. Crowdfunding and grants for sustainability projects could also provide financial support.

3. Challenge: Resistance to Change
Some schools or educators might hesitate to adopt a new curriculum or integrate additional activities into their schedules.

• Solution: Offer flexibility by designing modular, easy-to-implement lessons. Provide training and support to educators, emphasizing how the program complements existing subjects like science or social studies.

4. Challenge: Sustaining Engagement Over Time
Maintaining students’ and teachers’ enthusiasm for sustainability education could be difficult in the long term.

• Solution: Incorporate interactive elements such as competitions, school-wide projects, or sustainability clubs to keep the program exciting. Regularly update the curriculum with new ideas and involve students in leading parts of the program to foster ownership and ongoing interest.

5. Challenge: Measuring Impact
It may be challenging to track the program’s effectiveness in changing behaviors and attitudes.

• Solution: Establish clear metrics, such as student participation rates, project outcomes (e.g., reduced waste, school garden yields), and feedback surveys. Celebrate and share progress with the community to show tangible results and inspire further action.

By addressing these challenges proactively, the program can be successfully implemented, leaving a lasting impact on students and the broader community.

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