Why does mentorship march you to your moment?
Since 2010, I’ve been standing in front of classrooms — from primary and secondary schools to university lecture halls. Teaching has always been more than a job — it’s how I live out my purpose: to uplift others, spark growth, and help people discover their light.
That purpose began at home. As the eldest of seven siblings, I was the first teacher in our house, showing my brothers and sisters how to write, read, and think critically. I didn’t know it then, but I was practising mentorship long before I ever heard the word “facilitator.” That early passion led me to earn a Diploma in Education, and since then, I’ve continued to sharpen my skills as a mentor. I’m now a certified facilitator through ITCILO (Business Development, 2021), CXC in Italy (2024), UNLEASH (2024), and most recently, Climate Reality mentor (2025).
Finding Meaning: Life Mapping and Purpose
Across several leadership fellowships, I’ve been invited to draw my “life map” or do the “river of life” exercise — a process that asks you to reflect on what truly matters. These are not easy questions. They force you to pause, look inward, and ask: What brings me joy? Where do I find meaning?
For me, the answer has always been clear — even when I couldn’t find the words. Supporting people. Helping them grow. That’s what gives my life meaning.
Nairobi: Mentoring the Next Generation of Climate Leaders
In June 2025, I had the privilege of mentoring a group of passionate climate activists from across East Africa during the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Nairobi — a program founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. I originally completed my own Climate Reality training in 2020 during the pandemic, joining sessions online from Mogadishu. This year, I stood in front of my own group as one of the few expert mentors selected from the region.
Over three intense days, we explored climate science, misinformation, advocacy, and storytelling. I led sessions that helped mentees reflect, visualise, and take their first steps toward impactful action. Their stories, energy, and commitment to climate justice reminded me why mentorship is not about having all the answers — it’s about holding space for others to grow.
I truly enjoyed every moment — the exchange of ideas, the sense of purpose, and the shared vision for a more just and livable future. I even reconnected with Ryad Subratty from Mauritius, one of my own mentors from the 2020 cohort, for the first time in person — a beautiful full-circle moment.
Why Mentorship Matters
We often rush through life, busy with work, family, or survival. We rarely pause to reflect on what’s happening inside us. That’s where mentorship becomes powerful. A good mentor doesn’t just share advice; they help you find clarity in your own story. They help you name your fears, reshape your goals, and march forward with renewed confidence.
One of the most influential mentors in my life is Awel Uwihanganye, the founder of the LéO Africa Institute. I was fortunate to join the YELP fellowship in 2019, and Awel’s guidance has stayed with me ever since. Every time I lose clarity, I know I can reach out to him to realign my focus and vision.
Mentors move mountains — not just for themselves, but for others. I am living proof.
Full Circle
Today, I no longer only teach in classrooms. I facilitate hackathons, workshops, leadership programs, and international summits. But the essence remains the same: creating space for others to rise, reflect, and lead. From local students in Mogadishu to young leaders across Africa, I’ve seen how knowledge, empathy, and community can transform people. This is why I do what I do.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you need a mentor, my advice is simple: Yes. Get one. Be one. Whether in your personal life, career, or cause, mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for collective change.
We don’t need to climb alone. With mentorship, reflection, and purpose, we can move mountains — and create the moments that matter most.
