UAF celebrated an Ode to Talent during UAF Live! 2024

UAF celebrated an Ode to Talent during UAF Live! 2024. On Wednesday 18 December – International Migrants Day – approximately 350 guests gathered in the AFAS theatre in Leusden to meet each other. The event had the theme 'Ode to Talent' and it was a wonderful day full of celebrating, connecting and inspiring. 

Amalia Houri accompanied the entrance of the attendees with beautiful music during UAF Live! The event was chaired by the always energetic Mohamoud Hersi. With great enthusiasm he shared his story and energy with the attendees.  

Mirjam Huisman 

Mirjam Huisman – director-manager of the UAF since May 2024 – talked about what inspires and motivates her to work at the UAF. She also shared her vision of the organization, the developments in the outside world and her ambitions for the future. In the coming years, the UAF will focus on sustainability, self-reliance and speed to create a lasting impact for refugee students, professionals and scientists. 


Mohamed al Tayeb – the Nubans 

After the Q&A with Mirjam Huisman, Mohamed al Tayeb, singer and songwriter from Sudan, gave a special performance together with his band The Nubans. Their music brought a unique mix of traditional East African rhythms and modern influences.
 

Shervin Nekuee 

As a former refugee, guided by the UAF, I know Sherwin from his own experience how important it is to be recognized as an individual. This experience inspired him to write about the power of meeting and connecting, which he expressed in his essay in the booklet Ode to Talent compiled by the UAF. During UAF Live! he gave an inspiring lecture and expressed his gratitude to social organizations such as the UAF.


UAF Award 2024 

After the launch of the booklet Ode to Talent, the winner of the 10 was announcede edition of the UAF Award. The public voted for the story that inspired them the most. Tadele was allowed to receive the award. By presenting the award, the UAF celebrates the willpower and perseverance of refugees. The UAF Award recognizes and honors the exceptional achievements of a refugee student, professional or scientist in his or her field and the valuable contribution to society. All nominees received a prize in the form of a check, to be spent via the UAF Academy on training courses and courses. Study tube in the field of career development. In addition, they received a book voucher from Amy & Eve. The winner was given extra attention. 

Interactive sessions 

After this festive moment it was time for the interactive sessions. The participants spread out over different sessions: the meeting square, a session on personal growth Calm & Power and a session on professional development Effective Networking. 

Arash Parsan shared his knowledge with the participants about Calmness & Power. He told his personal story and gave insight into how the nervous system works and took participants through breathing techniques that are immediately effective. For people who want to learn more about this theme, Arash offered a discount for his Masterclass Calmness & Power especially for the UAF. Via this link and the discount code ARASH-UAF is to follow the masterclass with a €200 discount.  

In Melvin Tjoe Nij's session, participants learned through practical tips to network effectively and Melvin gave tools on how to build valuable connections. With his motto 'United we stand, divided we fall' he emphasized that networking is one of the most important, but often underestimated, skills in business.  

At the Meeting Square, where meeting and connecting were central, attendees were given the opportunity to learn more about each other, gain insight into the guidance offered by the UAF and make valuable contacts at the discussion tables. Photographer Daan Kamerman took beautiful portrait photos to provide CVs and LinkedIn profiles with professional photos.  

Ghosts word artist Atta the interpreter closed UAF Live! beautiful off with are poem about this special day. A selection from his beautiful word arts: 

The Netherlands is lucky, if you look in this room,
People present here have an impressive story.
On their path of uncertainties they are not lost,
But have they gotten that much out of it yet?
It's admirable how resilient you are,
How inspiring is the message you send,
And that in a country that you haven't even known for that long. 

Intercourse makes one proud, 
Just think of the flower in the pot.
The space to grow further, 
Starts with the encouragement to bloom.
While others label newcomers as time bombs,
UAF sees your wealth.

During the closing drinks, De Complimentenmakers handed out the most beautiful compliments, while the feet left the floor and hands joined during the energetic Dabke workshop of Stichting Dabke Night. The attendees were introduced to this traditional Arabic folk dance, which brings people together and strengthens social connections. 

With a copy of the booklet Ode to Talent, the attendees went home inspired.  

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