Salman Rasheed
As a 21-year-old, freshly graduated youth, Salman took a leap of faith to join Islamic Relief Canada’s Inspire Volunteer Abroad trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2023. His experience with the Rohingya youth in educational camps and recreational activities strengthened his leadership and interpersonal skills. Read more about Salman’s experience abroad in Malaysia.
Please share any memorable/impactful stories from your time in the Inspire program!
On my last day at the Inspire RISE camp, one of the students gifted me a pack of cough drops. I visited this student's house during our food distribution activity and met with his family. I tried to refuse this gift, but he insisted I take it. He was very thankful for the experiences we shared during the week and hoped I would visit again. At the time, I didn't think anything of the pack of cough drops he gave me, I thought it was a nice gesture.
On the plane ride back to Canada, I ended up eating the entire pack of cough drops. I realized that it was a very thoughtful gift. This was one of the many examples of where the refugee students had a lasting impact on me after leaving Malaysia.
Despite living in impoverished communities, they remain hopeful and act with generosity. I'm grateful for the pack of cough drops, and all the gifts the RISE students and Inspire trip has given me.
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?
When I was shopping with the kids one of them was doing math based on the budget I gave him. He knew what he had to buy to meet that budget and was very responsible with it. We were able to stretch it out and buy a lot of stuff. I thought this was very cool, considering his age.
As a 21-year-old adult, I still struggle with that. It also showed me how quickly he had to mature due to his circumstances. He may be a young child, but he understands that he needs to be financially conscious. It was a bittersweet moment.
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?
During the trip, I spent time and interacted with local Malaysian people through the RISE school and the evening volunteer trips. This allowed me to immerse myself in Malaysian culture and learn about the country's history and way of life.
Additionally, the connections I built on the volunteer team broadened my understanding of interpersonal dynamics. I now have a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses when working in a collaborative setting.
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?
The trip improved my interpersonal and communication skills. Prior to the trip, I didn’t know any of the other volunteers. I was brought out of my comfort zone to build relationships and collaborate with the team throughout the week.
Working with the Rise students and overseeing the various activities we ran also improved my leadership skills. It challenged my ability to problem-solve, make decisions, and adapt on the fly.
Inspire is:
Inspirational. Life-changing. Humbling. A-once-in-a-lifetime experience.