We cought Dylan for a chat about his experience living in Sudan before heading off home. Read below what he had to say...
When did you come to Sudan and why?
During the period between 2010 to early 2013, I had been working almost constantly to develop and establish my own tourism company in the historic city of Cambridge. Due to the complex and often ferociously competitive nature of the tourism business in Cambridge, and due to the fact that life for me as a young person in the UK had become increasingly difficult to support myself, I made a decision to seek out an important change of direction in my life.
It was in early 2013 that I found a curious, yet enticing, advert in the back of the Guardian newspaper. It read: “Do you like traveling to Arabic/African countries?” Yes, I thought. “Are you looking for an opportunity to gain new life and work experiences?” - Yes. “Would you be interested in living and working in Sudan as a support English teacher?”. Again, yes, I thought. So, I found the email, sent off my expression of interest to the small charity known as “Sudan Volunteer Programme” (SVP), and waited. Some time passed and I hadn’t heard anything from them; during this time of “radio silence”, I started preparing to embark on a walk starting from Lands’ End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland. My camping equipment was packed and I was within weeks of departing when I received word back from SVP. To my surprise, and delight, I was offered the opportunity to join them and come to Sudan. They were adamant, however, that they wanted me to join them as soon as June 2013, which, at this point, wouldn’t have allowed me enough time to complete my pan-UK trek before departing. After some pause to consider the options, I decided it was an important and, ultimately, valuable opportunity to take. My walk would have to wait.
I arrived in Sudan on the 3rd of June, 2013 with little more than $300 in my pocket, a few changes of clothes, and a spirit of adventure and excitement within me.
You biggest highlight living here…
After concluding my time as a volunteer with SVP, I was fortunate enough to start working for the British Council, shortly after I married my Sudanese wife, Moram. Only a few months after I started teaching with the British Council, in late 2014, our first child, Laila Rhiannon Watkins, was born. Becoming a husband, a father, and joining the British Council, all in the same year, was a monumental change in my life. One which I will always be grateful to have happened.
What are you going to miss the most?
I have had the privilege to be welcomed into so many fascinating and unexpected circles, during my time in Sudan. My wife’s family have all been exemplary, loving, supportive, and generous family members. I have never, not once, been made to feel unwanted, unwelcome, or disliked by any of them. They are a smaller group who, on a larger scale, have represented what the essence of Sudanese people embody- generosity, love, and support of one another. Despite the daily hardships and challenges people are faced in Sudan, they continue to smile in the face of adversity. I will dearly miss the friendly acknowledgement and welcoming people I have come to love and respect so dearly.
What is your favourite thing about teaching in Sudan and how do you find Sudanese learners?
It has been an interesting, challenging at times, and fruitful experience being able to teach in Sudan. With little experience teaching learners from different cultural backgrounds, I look forward to my future career as a teacher and wonder what it will be like, comparatively, to work with students from different corners of the world. Sudanese learners have their own particular, charming little quirks. They respond positively to encouragement and, with sufficient motivation, have shown that they can be excellent at expressing their thoughts and feelings. What I love most about teaching Sudanese learners is being in the company of people who are inherently friendly and willing to learn.
Anything you want to add?
During the time I have been here, it has presented me with the opportunity to befriend, learn, teach, love, and be loved, laugh, despair at times, and grow exponentially. Returning back to the UK, for me now, is a terrifying but also exciting moment in my life; I imagine I will feel like the hobbits returning to Bag End from their adventures in Middle Earth, a changed hobbit, so to speak. The experiences I have gained here have prepared me to be a better me, and I owe my thanks to each and every one of the people who, over these years, has contributed their time, energy, thoughts and support to me. It will not be forgotten.