Personal Narrative: My Journey To Mali

The republic of Mali is located in western Africa, with a population of around 15 million people. Making it the 24th largest country in the world. Mali also is notably one of the poorest countries in the world. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel alongside with other students as part of the Students Travel and Exposure South Africa (STAESA) to provide a helping hand to the people of the village of Tiby, which is located in the southern region of the city of Segou. The STAESA is nonprofit organization that offers a variety of volunteer programs in African countries. As volunteers, we worked along with locals to renovate the local orphanage. We also helped dig trenches for water systems, lay foundations for schools, plant crops and so much more. Going into the program, I perceived that my volunteer work would have some sort of positive impact on the Malian people, but I had no idea how much of an impact the experience would have in my own life. My summer spent in Mali has motivated me to take a stand on the things I believe in, be more aware of what goes on around me, and never to take things for granted. The first major lesson I learned overseas was to take a stand on matters that are important to me, despite of the consequences that may arise. Mali is considered one …show more content…
When I learned about female mutilation, my initial thought was of disgust as to how uncivilized the people of Mali were. The human species have evolved so much that I assumed that this country was the only place on the earth genital mutilation is a cultural and religious practice that is prevalent in the African continent and other countries across the globe. It is needless to say that this was an eye opening moment for me. I became so ashamed by how little I knew what goes on in the world around me, especially considering that I had the information at my fingertips. I have since then vowed to educate myself on global