Meet Shamail Faisal, a young visually impaired Sudanese woman, who has just joined the British Council in Sudan as a full time employee. Shamail completed a supported 2 month internship programme for people with disability where she worked across different departments. Now she is an integral part of the busy programmes team tasked with coordinating programme delivery, including across Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). In order to get to know a little bit more of Shamail, we asked her a few questions...
Who inspires you?
Anne Sullivan, who was Helen Keller’s teacher. I admired the role she played in Helen’s life who was blind, deaf and dumb and how she exerted effort to teach her. She an example of determination and taught the world that nothing is farfetched.
What was your first job?
My first job was an Assistant Editor in a Sudan news agency. To be precise I worked in the Sudapedia Department which specialises in Sudan’s information.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on now?
I just got my job at the British Council as Programmes Delivery and EDI coordinator, my assignment is very exciting and I promised myself to dedicate extra time and effort to take up the role in mainstreaming EDI across all our programmes therefore I feel that I am contributing effectively to my society.
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day and why?
My mother, because she is the most energetic person I have met in my entire life. She has this amazing ability to transform with ease all weaknesses into strength. I wish to have her abilities for a day to infuse positive vibes in those surrounding us.
What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
To create a channel on Youtube and name it ‘so that don’t surrender’ to feature inspiring stories of people who overcame real obstacles in life to empower others and spread positivity.
What characteristics do you most admire in others?
Honesty and transparency.
What are 3 top things on your bucket list?
1. Visit the UK, Spain and South Africa.
2. Become a senior editor at BBC Arabic
3. Master 7 languages by the age of 32. I am currently 28 and I speak 4 languages (Arabic, English, French and Spanish).
What one memory do you most treasure?
When I was selected as a trainee at BBC Arabic within the Aim High initiative for talented journalists with disabilities. That experience boosted my confidence and my skills in media and documentary films.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Give without expecting anything in return.
How do you recharge?
I walk long distances and I help others.