BACK TO AFRICA SERIES: (MALI/MAURITANIA) – Interview With Young African Professional

Aicha Haidara

INTERVIEW

– What is your background (country of origin, where you attended high school, undergrad, grad school and your area of study)?

AH: Originally from a father from Mauritania, and a mother from Senegal and Mali, Parents being Diplomats, was born in Accra where I attended early years in kindergarten, and preK, moved to Mali by my 1st grade year, where I attended Lycee Francais de Bamako up until 7th grade, transferred to Kalanso another private French school for up to my 9th grade. Moved to the states as a teenager, took an exam which allowed me to skip/jump a grade and started my high school as an 11th grader, maintained honor roll, graduated from Southeastern High School of Technology in 2002 in Detroit as a Magnum Cumlaudee Student, got accepted to New York Columbia University, but ended up attending Davenport University Business School, graduated from there Bachelor in Health services Administration

– What inspired you to move back to Africa? AH: Actually wasn’t sure about the move or prepared for it but while in Africa on vacation, saw an opportunity to Work for a WorldWide know Tabacco company as Marketing Operation manager, I took the job, figured living in Africa was more suitable for a stable family life considering I had two kids and got married young, it was time to build as my parents did and their parents did. There is nothing like home no matter how young you left it and how long you were gone for.

– What are you engaged in now that you have returned, ie working, running your own business, etc? AH: Currently a US State Department employee in Nouakchott, MR, I am planning on owning my own business in my original country, the development here is faster than ever and the opportunities are endless.

– What would you say is the best part of relocating back to Africa?

AH: the best part of being back home is that the bills rarely not to say never, pills up, no debts, no rent, no mortgage, no car notes etc… Savings becomes easier, less stress, plan accordingly are more likely to stay stable and on point. On the other side the cultural warmness is priceless, you can feel people are always relaxed and very nice. Being an Islamic country there are less temptations, which leaves no room for mistakes.

– What would you say is the hardest part of relocating/living in Africa so far?.

AH: being use to technology most transactions here are really slow. Law and simple traffic lights are not respected as an example, coming from a lawful country it is the major change, the development rural, education, health, alimentation and many more are way behind, /but more natural.

– Why would you strongly recommend that other young African professionals think of moving back to Africa to work?

AH: the younger and more educated should come back the fastest, to help build a better future, a better country, a better life. Being part of a major change in your own original country is important and participating in the change is even more important.

– What industries do you think are looking the most promising/have the potential to recruit heavily?

AH: technology, energies, mines, commercialization, infrastructures, and economics.

– What would be your advice in terms of how someone can successfully find a job in Africa?

AH: technology internet made it easy. Yes! Even in Africa most jobs are found on the internet, just be present for the interview, of course having family members and friends can help too. Just have the necessary qualifications and experiences should be a great help to success.

MOTHERHOOD IN AFRICA

– As someone with American born children how has the transition moving back to Africa been for your kids?

AH: the kids are young and can adopt very easily with parents that are very vigilant and follow up on their needs.

– Most parents think about relocating back have healthcare worries such as access to medication, hospitals, etc for their kids. What would be your advice?

AH: many doctors in Africa obtained their licenses and graduated from the best schools in America, Europe, all over. Just research, plan accordingly, and choose the best.

– How have the kids adapted to the local food?

AH: well local food depends on one’s mean, the food doesn’t necessarily have to change if you can afford it. The condiments here are more natural, organic than most western countries.

– What kind of school do your kids attend and how do you keep them remembering how to speak English?

AH: what you speak at home is what your kids will remember and master, there are multiple certified private schools in Africa with wonderful teachers whom also performed their studies in the West, so they relate to the kids and help out a lot.

–What are the benefits of raising your kids in Africa and what are the negatives? AH: the culture in Africa is great and I love it personally, but how you raise your kids isn’t influenced by where they are brought up to my opinion, it depends on the parents educations, beliefs, religion and backgrounds. Africa is based on the youngest always respecting the oldest, religion plays a major role in raising kids too.

INFORMAL QUESTIONS

– What would I find you doing on weekends or on weekdays after you come home from work?

AH: I take care of the house even though I have maids which is a great plus of moving back to Africa, helpers all over, family all over, friends all over, people are so sincere and nice here. I supervise the kitchen cooking, I watch my TV shows, chat with my family all over the world, skype, viber, etc. But for outdoor recreations, camel and horses riding, beach, shopping, restaurants, cafes etc… All of which are privileges of being in Africa cheaper to do all these activities. – By relocating back to Africa as a young African professional? AH: I hope to accomplish my long term and short term goals faster, save and set up a better retirement plans, invest in my kids’ education, participate in the country development successfully, influence positively the community around me, give more to help erase poverty around the world.

– In five years’ time I see myself? AH: excelling in all my plans and being a leading person in a successful organization international or national.

– What is one ironic thing you have seen/noticed since you’ve been back that has inspired you and giving you hope about Africa’s progress. AH: the youths are amazing, they are open-minded, they learn fast. They have hope for a better future even the poorest keep a smile on their faces and that is all the inspiration I need.

Thank You!!!