Samira Al-Baroud

"Somalia is a place of beauty despite being teared up because of the war. However, I believe us "the youth" should bring out our best to make a difference to our homeland.

I was born and raised in Kuwait and decided to go to Somalia for six whole months as a photographer, change the negative image of Somalia and to volunteer as well.

I want to share with you a story i wont be able to forget for the rest of my life, i mean, it changed me from the start and even changed the career I ever wanted. I have seen a homeless kid around 15 to 17 years old for the very first time sleeping in the streets in a rainy day and what shocked me was no one cared, everyone passed by carelessly and without taking a second. I was like are you SERIOUS?, I even asked a friend of mine living in Somalia about similar cases "homeless/street children" what does the government or NGOs or even a regular person do, Nothing he said. At that time, I asked myself. What if I was in his place? Would I want someone to show me at least they care, even if it is just by a warm smile?

The reason I am sharing this story with you is I believe in the power of volunteering and sharing your knowledge will help Somalia and Somalis in every mean. A friend of mine once told me, that we all know that many people are in need. We all KNOW that many people are having a lower quality of life. We all KNOW that we are blessed and better than others are. However, we all KNOW. We do not FEEL and there is a difference between KNOWING and FEELING. When you get to feel you will experience a different kind of beauty. This had made me realize that this actually falls for everything. If I am educated, I can pass my education and knowledge to others, if I have strength I can pass my work and effort to help someone who might be in need.

So anyone who's going this summer to Somalia, please Volunteer, Volunteer & Volunteer because it is YOU and only You who can make a difference. and please share your story with the world." — Samira Al Baroud .