Introducing the writer
My name is Sumaiyah Yakub. I am a 20-year-old wildlife photographer and aspiring wildlife manager, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management and conservation. Over the years, while pursuing my dream degree, I have gained a better understanding of the ecosystems, as well as all the flora and fauna that play important roles in the stability of these ecosystems. This helped me understand that there is urgency in spreading awareness and promoting actionable steps to ensure that ecosystems and all their inhabitants thrive.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the official writer for Animal Activists Kenya. Animal Activists Kenya is an NGO that aligns perfectly with my goals as a young person venturing into the conservation field. I hope to not only expand on knowledge but also to share the knowledge during my academic and field experiences so far.
The root of my passion for conservation
My journey into conservation was gradual; it all started with my father, Rizwan Yakub. My father is also a wildlife enthusiast and is the root of my love for wildlife. From taking me to the national park every weekend and explaining to me about the behavior of animals to teaching me to click my first photo, he nurtured my love for wildlife. This became a defining factor in guiding me towards my dream of becoming a wildlife researcher, which I am actively pursuing now.
My Journey into the conservation field
Venturing into the conservation field was not an easy decision, due to the uncertainty of the opportunities available in this field. In my culture, traditional career paths (medicine and law) are often favored, and conservation is rarely a viable option. I had to take the leap of faith and apply for the degree in wildlife management and conservation, with a lot of questions and concerns from the people around me.
Receiving my admission letter was a turning point. Now that I have completed two years of my degree, I have seen that there are a lot of opportunities for young people in conservation, including internships, scholarships, funding, etc. Therefore, I encourage my peers and anyone who has a passion for conservation to pursue a career in this field.
The future I envision for myself and my Career and how Animal Activists Kenya are a part of it
Looking ahead, my dream is to own an animal research center of my own, but in the near future, my aim is to work with the UNEP. I plan to do as much as is in my capacity to reach a stage where I can make a global impact hand in hand with the UNEP in terms of biodiversity protection and advocacy.
The steps I will take to get to that level include excelling in my academics, engaging with professionals in the conservation field, working for NGOs, and taking short courses to increase my knowledge and therefore becoming a professional in the conservation field.
Joining hands with Animal Activists Kenya is a great step to achieving my goals; it is a pleasure for me to be part of such an inspirational team of individuals who have had a tremendous impact over 5 years. I look forward to being part of the meaningful impact Animal Activists Kenya are set to make in the upcoming years.
Final thoughts
This is just the beginning of an amazing journey, and together with the Animal Activists Kenya team, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the future of wildlife conservation.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for the tremendous support you show to Animal Activists Kenya, a movement that is committed to ensuring wildlife continues to thrive.
~ Sumaiyah Yakub
Official writer, Animal Activists Kenya