Sakina Carbide
In 2023, Sakina joined Islamic Relief Canada for two Inspire Volunteer Abroad trips, one to Pakistan and another to Türkiye. Taking the lead on activities for vulnerable children and orphans, Sakina was a formidable changemaker who touched the lives of her peers, Islamic Relief staff, and the very children she was supporting. Read about Sakina’s experience abroad in Pakistan!
Please share any memorable/impactful stories from your time in the Inspire program!
There was a young girl named Hifsa who was sensory challenged. Her mother said that she never smiled or engaged in play with anyone. During a game, I had her co-lead with me, and she was jumping, laughing, and overall enjoying the moment. I later learned that her mother shared that Hifsa was a different person, a happy child, after the camp. This showed me that our job as volunteers was accomplished: we had inspired her.
Looking ahead, how do you plan to apply the lessons and experiences gained from your volunteer abroad trip in your daily life and future endeavours? What actions or initiatives do you intend to take to continue making a positive impact on the world around you?
Before these trips, I was the world's biggest introvert, but I am now ready to be at the forefront of anything. I would like to dedicate the rest of my life to serving Allah SWT and making a difference in this world, one community at a time. Inspire has shaped my future aspirations to be community and faith-centred.
Reflect on the connections and relationships you formed with the rights-holders, local communities, and fellow volunteers during your trip. How have these relationships enriched your understanding of cultural diversity and interpersonal dynamics?
There are people from the Inspire Türkiye trip that I have become closer to in 2 weeks than others I have known my entire life. We speak regularly and are now a part of each other's lives.
I already feel this happening in Pakistan with some of my fellow volunteers as well. As for the rights-holders, I routinely look at their photos and pray for their well-being. I cannot wait to hear their stories in ten years inshaAllah and see how they’ve grown.
If you had to describe the Inspire program in a few words or sentences, what would you say?
A few words or sentences cannot do it justice. This program is the best administratively implemented program I have ever been a part of. From conception through completion, every aspect is meticulously planned – geography, hotels, food, camp activities, volunteer interactions, meetings, information, site visits, ambassador and rights-holder interactions. Phenomenal.
In what ways do you feel you've grown as an individual during your time abroad? Are there new skills, qualities, or insights you've developed that you didn't possess before the trip?
I am so much closer to Allah SWT. These trips have strengthened my faith and made me ever trustful in His plan.
How has your perspective on life and the world changed as a result of your volunteer abroad experience? Can you identify any specific moments or interactions that had a profound impact on your outlook?
Before my initial Inspire trip to Türkiye, I was scheduling Inspire trips around my life. Since then, I have been ready to schedule my life around future Inspire trips.