DUBAI: Three Dubai-based professionals have launched a unique initiative called AJALA, meaning ‘nomad’, to enable changemakers to spread awareness about their projects and inspire others to redefine success.
Nigerian expat Hassan Adebayo Bello, a software programmer, writer and adventurer, told XPRESS he founded AJALA along with Narmeen Naser from Bangladesh, a global health and project management consultant, and Giovanni Morra from Italy, an engineering manager, after drawing inspiration from Olabisi Ajala, a Nigerian explorer who travelled to 87 countries to spread a positive message about Africa.
The 22-year-old Bello said, “I grew up in Nigeria with very few role models within the country. Had I known about AJALA earlier, my notion of success would have been different from the stereotypes I was fed on. Not everyone has the same opportunities in life, but that’s okay. Awareness and the right push make all the difference.”
He said AJALA will host an “Art for Change” programme at the JamJar Gallery on September 20 to rope in select changemakers and ‘nomads’ who will share their stories and raise awareness of their initiatives. Entry to the event is free. “Not everyone reads much these days, so we thought the best way to convey a message is through art. We have 27 role models from 11 countries.”
Bello said five of the changemakers are from Dubai. They include Jihad Mnasria, a film producer who supports orphanages and helps build playgrounds in Kenya and Egypt; Lina Zoghaib, who teaches yoga and helps build classrooms for orphaned children in Kenya; Ahmad Eldessouki, who has a fitness group and supports various causes in Africa and Asia; Toufic Abu Nader, who embarks on extreme adventures and supports charitable causes; Maria Conceicao, who has run seven marathons and helps build schools for Bangladeshi children; and Cijal Rahim, an aircraft technician who helps provide medical care to refugees.