Getting to know President Elect - Jama Farah
Growing up on a pastoral farming plot in the Somali Region of Ethiopia, I learnt from an early age what it meant to be part of a tight-knit community. Community was everything. Community was the joy of a shared culture with infinite stories that would keep you entertained during times of idleness. It was the shared responsibility that would watch over you even when you managed to temporarily escape your parent’s vigilant gaze during times of mischief. Community was also the warm helping hand that you could rely on to get you back on your feet during times of crisis.
My family and I were forced to leave our home under unfortunate circumstances, however we never lost those values that were instilled into us from our community and we were determined to make the best of the situation we were in and build ourselves back up stronger and better. After some detours and temporary periods of respite, I arrived in Australia with a vision of peace and prosperity and genuine hope in my heart.
I opened a small business in the western suburbs of Melbourne and watched it slowly but surely become a well-known and respected establishment, particularly among the African diaspora. I worked in this diligent and focused manner for many years, gaining valuable experience in discipline, planning, and accountability. During that time, I also formed many close professional and personal relationships, particularly those within the African diaspora who sought assistance and mentoring in developing business hopes and ideas.
The desire to give back to my community always burned within me so when I discovered my friend Des was a Rotarian, I was interested to learn more about it. It seemed like the very thing I was hoping for, a way to give back and build something new, to plant the seeds of hope and joy, not only locally but globally. That was about 11 years ago, and I have not looked back since.
During my time as a Rotarian, I have served as the Director of Community and the Director of International Service for the Rotary Club of Footscray District 9800. I have also been involved with and contributed to The Maribyrnong City Council CALD Plan Advisory Committee and the Victorian Multicultural Business Advisory Council.
My efforts have been recognised and I have been proud and honoured to receive the Certificate Of Appreciation by Consumer Affairs Victoria in 2012, the African Australian Business of the Year Award in 2014, and the United Nations International Peace Day Power Of Peace Award in 2016.
If you were to ask me now what I think it is that has allowed to continue to cherish this organisation the way I still do after so many years, I would have to say that it would the many lifelong friendships I have made along the way, not only with people in my local club but with the countless Rotarians I have met from around the world. This organisation offers a unique platform for ordinary people to work together to achieve extraordinary things through invaluable experience and bountiful generosity.
It is my desire to continue to achieve the amazing results we have become accustomed to achieving and even reach a little higher and a little further. We are facing a difficult period ahead of us as a local community, as a nation, and as a global community. I believe that now more than ever, the world needs our leadership and guidance. We can make a real difference to many lives affected by the current crisis. I know from personal experience that a little help can go a long way in improving the lives of those facing even the most difficult of circumstances. The world is waiting for us to act and lead. I am sincerely grateful that I have been given this opportunity to do my part, and I have no doubt that we can do great things together.
