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Change Alumni - Jessica
Alumni Blog: Meet Jessica from Bangladesh
Jessica Mouno Sarkar is a CFC participant (2019/2020) from Bangladesh. She currently volunteers with YMCA and hopes that by sharing her experiences with young and upcoming participants, she can strengthen the CHANGE project and inspire others to grow as changemakers.
What has been the most significant change in your life after participating in the Communication for Change program?
- Communication for Change was a blessing for me and it will always be. It's a place where you become less judgmental and can know or explore more about yourself.
- The most significant change in my life after participating in communication for change was, I met another version of me. Of course, a better version. When I look back sometimes, I wonder how this program helped me to see life in a different perspective. Before joining CfC I was so shy just to talk in front of ten people but now I'm leading my local YWCA's youth as a youth convenor, also helping with suggestions as a board member in my local YWCA. You will never know your worth if you never try to.
Your experience at the Communication for Change program – How has the opportunity to engage and grow with other youth helped shape/change your view of the world?
- In my year as a participant in the Communication for Change (CFC) program we were 17 participants from 5 different countries. Because of the COVID situation we were stuck at school and found that to be an opportunity to share our own life stories with each other and the more we became closer and understood each other better. I realized that every one of us was faced by different life challenges and by sharing we remained positive and happy regardless of our differences and whatever we were going through. The experience changed my view of the world and inspired me to act local and think globally because our issues collide. When I am working at my local YWCA as a volunteer, with my problem solving skills I try to make the best out of whatever the situation comes because I discovered that there is so much worse happening in the world than some of the situations we face.
What is your memorable moment, event or funny fact in your experience as a Communication for Change participant?
- The last day with all CFC participants was my most memorable day. Actually, I like to call every one of them my extended family. They all became friends, guides, mentors, cooking partners, cleaning partners and family. I never felt that I was missing my family back home. So, when the last day came it was really hard to say goodbye. When I met those 17 ‘strangers’ at our preparatory course in Kenya, I never thought that after one year it would make me emotional to say goodbye to them.
What contribution do you think you can make in building the alumni and strengthening the CHANGE project?
- By sharing my experiences to the upcoming young participants, I can contribute in building alumni and strengthening the CHANGE project. And with my positive lifestyle, I can encourage others to grow as changemakers.
What advice would you give to current and aspiring CHANGE participants?
- To the people who are already a part of this program or going to be a part of it, I want to let them know that this program is a privilege. It’s a lifetime experience where you can make memories and learn new life skills and diverse perspectives about the world everyday. So, they must come out of their comfort zone because they are heading to a wonderful year.
- Thanks to KFUK-KFUM for asking for an impact story to share with you all. I'm also grateful to my local YWCA, Bangladesh YWCA, volunteers of CFC (19-20) and of course Ingeborg (teacher of CFC 19-20). Because, this journey won't be this amazing and delightful without them.
