Ayay Adib

Joined ALA in 2011

I believe indeed that each one of us has a fascinating story that deserves to be shared. Mine isn’t the most impressive nor am I the best storyteller, but it is the key to the person I am today.

At the age of five, I moved with my father from the small town of Midelt to Meknes, one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. My mother and my sister had to wait another year before joining us. Being far away from my mother at this early age was very painful. My father managed the situation wisely; he took me to an association hosting street children called Bayti. Seeing how difficult their lives were, I realized how lucky and fortunate I was. I started being more independent and enjoyed my life more, but didn’t know that 11 years later I would return to that association with a different personality and a whole new vision.

When I went to high school, I created a club called Let’s Green It. We organized an awareness campaign that we labeled “say hello to earth” with a partnership with a local association called Amali. My leadership career has grown by encompassing diverse roles: I taught mathematics to a class of 15 students in the Amali association. I went back to Bayti association where I now help children get through tough lives and fight against great odds.

My sister first introduced me to the basics of social entrepreneurship, and I now have a term that encompasses my work. To me, this is what the community concept is about: differences are never an obstacle to great achievements; on the contrary, they can be the key to positive and effective development.

My sister also introduced me to ALA. I applied but didn’t get in. Being pretty familiar with the concept of “give it a second shot”, I worked hard during the whole next year, and I applied again: this time, I didn’t let the opportunity of a lifetime slip through my fingers. My family taught me how to love, share, give and receive – how to be a leader, and that’s why I was chosen to join ALA.