Volunteer Interview – Ayotunde
June 1, 2015
Today we meet Ayotunde, one of our Trust and Foundation volunteers in the UK office. Before volunteering with us, Ayotunde volunteered for Street Kids International UK and worked for the NHS. She has interests in international health and development, a master’s degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from SOAS, and a strong passion for supporting African-led development and advancing the quality of life for those living in developing countries.
How long have you been volunteering with African Revival?
I have been volunteering since January 2015.
Have you ever volunteered before?
I have volunteered with an international development charity focused on youth empowerment.
What made you get involved with African Revival originally?
African Revival supports Africa development. Africa is my heritage and I have a strong passion for supporting African-led development. I consider African Revival an appropriate place to pursue my career in international development and contribute to an Africa that is now readily celebrated as ‘bright’, ‘emerging’, ‘rising’ and ‘aspiring’.The days in which Africa was seen as ‘The Hopeless Continent’ seem long gone.
What kind of activities have you been involved in at AR?
My main activities are research, trust fundraising and assisting with the annual ball. I undertook research on thematic issues for the Africa Revival’s School Garden Project such as farming, agriculture and girls’ education in Uganda and Zambia.I also assisted the Fundraising & Communications team in researching statistics, facts and stories for the website. I conducted searches on trust and foundation funding sources to identify potential funders. I also wrote and submitted grants proposals to trusts to fund projects in Uganda and Zambia. I have also researched celebrities of British and Zambian heritage and wrote to theatres in London in order to support the fundraising ball.
What’s the best thing about working with AR?
African Revival is a good example of a friendly working environment as well as working in harmony. This makes me feel good and appreciated. More importantly, I have become more informed about international development. I became aware about the UN Millennium goals and its relevance to international development when the fundraising team got together to brainstorm on amending a concept note for UK Aid Match funding submitted to the UK Department for International Development.
What’s the most challenging thing about working with AR?
This is the first time I have worked in a place that is far from the city. It is a long way to travel and at times, there are train delays/disruption along the route. However, the long distance is like an adventure along the Teddington riverside and I don’t feel bored when travelling to work. There are times in life that one has to step out of one’s comfort zone to get the best for growth and progress, especially in one’s career. In retrospect, I witnessed the benefits of stepping out of my comfort zone.
