Inspiring Alumni Stories: Ngor Yak
We’re pleased to be sharing a new inspiring alumni story this week as part of our Amala Alumni Series. The next alumni to be interviewed is 19-year-old Ngor Yak from South Sudan. After completing our Ethical Leadership course in Kakuma in 2019, Ngor has since been selected for a scholarship to study the International Baccalaureate Programme at UWC Maastricht. Ngor Yak has also participated in the UWC-Amala Changemaker Foundation Programme in Kakuma Camp this year.
Congratulations on your place at UWC - What will you be studying?
Yes, I will be attending United World Colleges which is a fantastic opportunity. I was supposed to start last year but because of the virus, my place was deferred a year due to the logistics and visa arrangements needed. In September I hope to start at UWC and I will be studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.
What have you been doing since you completed the courses with Amala?
In 2019 I completed the Amala Ethical Leadership course and since then, with the skills I had learnt, I started a training programme for refugees. I enjoy teaching subjects because I think that with my teaching skills and the skills that I learnt I can help each student with their academic performances. The issue for those who seek education is that their parents are not willing to help with their school/academy journey. Most of the population in the area is illiterate so they don’t actually have the basic educational background and they aren’t able to help their children. The training programme gives them a basic education to help, and I have been able to mentor some students. I have also been studying and I have continued with my own educational journey as well as sharing my skills with others.
How do you feel Amala Education has helped you with what you have done since the courses?
It certainly has, for someone like me who was an introvert and wasn’t able to defend his feelings or express himself in the community. The skills I learnt from Amala means I can now embrace the community and its diversity. I now have the need for interaction and my communications skills have helped me express myself which I couldn’t really do before.
Are there other ways that Amala has changed you? E.g. In your mindset, thinking, actions towards others?
Amala has helped me transform in so many ways. They have helped me to make decisions and improved my critical thinking. I can also communicate better with other people, and I feel more confident socialising. The skills have changed my mindset and have introduced me to the community. This has been important to me as I wanted to have an impact and do something meaningful in the future, but before something was holding me back. Now I’m able to stand up for what I think and what I do.
What are your aspirations for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In the future, I want to pursue aeronautical engineering and use the technical knowledge and solutions to address the environmental impact of air transport. This passion started when I was a child as I’ve always enjoyed electronics and my grandfather was an engineer. When I realised that I was also good with electronics, I knew I wanted to be an engineer too, but I wasn’t sure which sector I should go into. I have always had a dream of building a real aeroplane since my friend growing up had aircraft toys that we used to play with. I thought it was a great way to combine my dream and passion into a reality.
Would you recommend the courses to others?
100% I would recommend the Amala courses as an alumnus. This opportunity has really changed my life and so many other peoples too. Typically, the youth here in Kakuma have a similar mindset to what I used to have. Amala helped me change and grow and now I will be attending a UWC school.
Do you feel like you have used the knowledge gained from the course in your day-to-day life?
I am extremely aware that every day since I completed the course and learnt the skills, that I use them on a daily basis, for example, talking now I am quite confident, but I was shy before. I definitely used to be a bystander, but now I’m happy to stand up and take action when I can, and this is all down to the skills and knowledge that I gained from my course.
What would your advice be for other young refugees?
I would mainly like to advise younger people that everyone has an inner skill or light inside, and it’s for you to find what you love. Some people also limit their thoughts, but you have to believe that the sky is the limit. It’s important to pursue your goals and work hard for what you want and don’t just simply wait for the opportunity to find you.