For as long as I can remember, I have felt a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the world. Over a period of 15 years, my work with global and regional institutions afforded me the opportunity to work, attend and organize conferences in many countries in Africa and around the world. Initially, this work was very exciting to me. Traveling to various countries, working with government ministries and agencies, I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Over time, however, the excitement began to wane. The work became repetitive; and despite the vast knowledge, experience and financial resource of these international institutions, their impact on the ground was often limited. Meetings and conferences seemed to repeat the same discussions, with more or less the same people, just in different countries.
During this period, I also had the opportunity to connect with everyday people who, despite facing significant challenges, held big dreams, and lived their lives with passion. Some of these young people established Africa Unbound Chapters in seven countries across the continent.
In 2012, I was sitting with a group of young people from the Africa Unbound chapter in Accra, Ghana. One by one, they were telling me about wide range of ideas they have – business ventures, inventions, creative projects, etc. They talked about what they wanted to do individually, and what we can do collectively. The enthusiasm and the quality of their ideas were truly amazing. Amidst this vibrant exchange, a young lady by the name of Cathie Lajide said to me, “We have a lot of good ideas. The problem is they keep dying in our minds.” I wasn’t sure what I could do in that moment, but I promised her that I would do something.
The Africa Unbound Village we are building is a fulfillment of the promise I made to Cathie, and other young people across the continent.
A Commitment to Live Life Fully
Many of us have felt deep frustration because we found ourselves in environments that stifled our ability to give and do our best. Unfortunately, many have resigned and have decided to desensitize and distract themselves in one way or another. I have chosen to engage as if my life depends on it.
For the past five years, the Africa Unbound Museum has been educating people from around the world about the value of learning our history and heritage, in order to understand where we are today and become active participants in shaping our future. We’ve also engaged thousands of people through seminars, workshops and trainings.
Our interactions with people from near and far has made it clear that there is need for a more immersive experience, and there is a dire need for community – a community that is deeply rooted in African culture, a culture that has always been open to visitors and willing to offer the best of what we have. The Africa Unbound Village aims to provide this immersive experience, and build a global community of individuals who feel at home with us.
As I embrace the vision of the Africa Unbound Village, I am committed to creating an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and nurturing for the soul – a space that invites the best of who we are to be expressed, to contemplate the most pressing issues of our time and co-create solutions, and offer guidance and support to young people who have their own vision of a better future in which they see themselves transforming their lives and making a difference in their communities. This, in an authentically Ethiopian community that lives and works and plays together.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Bring your curiosity, knowledge and experience; and with an open mind and loving heart, together we will explore and co-create a beautiful space where dreams are nurtured.
Rahel Kassahun, Ph.D.