Inspiring Amala Alumni Stories: Mut Teny

This next Amala Alumni Series features  21-year-old Mut Teny, who is currently located in Nairobi. Mut completed the Peacebuilding in your Community course back in 2018 in Kakuma, Kenya. We arranged an evening call with Mut to see where his journey has taken him since completing his Amala course and how learning to have a positive mindset has shaped his next steps.

What have you been doing since you completed the course(s) with Amala? 

Since I completed the Amala course in 2018, I went on to finish secondary school  in 2019. I’ve since volunteered with Lutheran World Federation teaching lessons to displaced children and then I started working with UNHCR Kenya as an interpreter. I’ve also worked with various agencies that help deliver services to refugees with disabilities. 

How do you feel Amala Education has helped you with what you have done since the courses? 

I feel so grateful because the course has really sharpened my mindset, meaning that I always have a positive outlook on what I’m doing. I feel privileged to have taken the course as Amala has really helped me and provided me with a new mindset where I can leave my past behind and look to my future. I believe that this is what helped me to finish my high school certificate and what has enabled me to work with  UNHCR.

Do you enjoy volunteering and helping others?

Yes of course, the refugee camps contain so many people and so much diversity, so there were loads of people to help. Since I completed my course, I’ve enjoyed helping my fellow refugees with the skills I’ve learnt and I’ve really relished my volunteer work that I’ve done in the camps as I enjoyed sharing ideas and useful tips. 

Are there other ways that Amala has changed you? E.g. In your mindset, thinking, actions towards others?

Yes 100% as I mentioned, changing my mindset and learning to think positively has really helped me thanks to Amala Education. Honestly, sometimes a poor mindset can lead to failure but when you have a positive mindset when you’re focusing on doing something, it’ll give you courage and hope. I encouraged everyone to keep moving and looking forward and I would like to encourage fellow youths to look at their mindset like Amala has inspired me to do. 

What are your aspirations for the future? 

My main goal is to transform the world into a better place where humanity is treated equally. I moved to Nairobi back in February to study Information Communication Technology at  Zetech University but unfortunately due to the current situation I’ve not yet been able to attend classes. But it was Amala that really helped me to realise my dream. My focus is to keep progressing, and I’m looking forward to my future and studying. I believe with my positive attitude that I can complete university and keep growing. 

Would you recommend the course to fellow refugees?

I’m always recommending Amala courses to other people and trying to guide learners to get in touch with Amala. I think I’ll always work hard to encourage my friends and fellow youths I meet to look at the course especially as they can do it online. I often discuss with people how Amala can facilitate them to expand their ideas and have a positive mindset in life. 

Do you feel like you have used the knowledge gained from the course in your day to day life?

Yes, I really do. My everyday activities have been improved by my positive mindset. I must say a special thank you to Mia and Polly (the founders of Amala) and my former facilitator Mr Pascal who really helped me to move forward and overcome my past. The knowledge I’ve gained from the course will always be one of the greatest gifts and I’m just so thankful for that. 

What would your advice be for other young refugees? 

Refugees around the world may have lost their homes and countries but they have not lost their future, their abilities and skills. The future is still in their hands, so don’t give up on life. I’ve been in the same position and I never gave up – look where I am now. I understand that for all the refugees in camps around the world life can seem very difficult but if they have a strong mindset they can change their situation. Remember that no problem is permanent, and conditions can change. Think positively and open your mindset. Remember the road to success is always tough, but they’ll get there. Therefore, I want to encourage young refugees around the world to keep going and focus on their dreams then work towards them. 

Thank you so much for your time Mut, do you have any final words you wish to share?

I’m so thankful for Amala Education and I’m honoured to be included in the Amala Alumni stories, I’ve really been looking forward to sharing my story and my advice to my fellow refugees. 

Join us by helping more refugee youth like Mut get back into learning with Amala next year by giving to our holiday campaign here. Help change the course of a young refugee’s life.