Finding Opportunities in the African Continent
I AM AFRICAN & I CAN is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann |11/10/2023
Born to parents who were educators (a mother who was a home science teacher, and father an English teacher), Mahzouba Maya Faal was always studious and aimed to achieve excellence in all the endeavors she pursued.
She aspired to study International Relations, but the program was not available at her college at the time. With hopes of making strides in the communications field, in 2020 Mahzouba graduated from the University of the Gambia with a bachelor’s in Journalism and Digital Media.
During the Dictatorial regime, Mahzouba explained that the media was censored. However, with the rise of digital communication, ministries have found a way to authentically communicate with the public.
After completing a six-month internship at the Department of Information services and being interviewed in front of a panel which included six to ten judges and personnel, she earned the Information Officer position. Mahzouba’s competitive nature and pursuit of excellence, she points out, is what propelled her to aim for the Information Officer job—a position the Gambian native believes she earned not because she knew anyone in the government, but because she qualified.
The Ministry of Education aims to provide quality higher education, policy action, technical and professional training. As an Information/Communications Officer for the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mahzouba’s role involved scheduling appointments with the media, staff profiling, newsletters, graphic design, and covering events. During events, you could find her snaping photos, recording audio to later post on the organization’s social media, or writing an article for their website or the newspaper.
Most days, Mahzouba’s day began at 6 a.m.—fulfilling prayer before heading to work. Upon arriving at work, her focus turned to policy validation and sending drafts to her supervisor. Her role as an Information Officer required her to be quick on her toes, prepared to communicate relevant and timely information, and engage professionally with others. As Information Officer, Mahzouba improved the Ministry of Education’s online presence and ensured that its up-to-date website clearly and effectively communicated objectives year-round.
When one goal is crossed of her bucket list, she aims for another. Although Mahzouba had certifications in Minutes and Speech Writing, International Migration Law, Filmmaking and Media, this year, she added more to her list of achievements. She published a short fiction story (HERE, THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREEN) on The Standard Newspaper, completed a two-day training on strategic communications and public speaking for Government Information Officers, as well as a certificate on Digital Communications from the Gambia Management Development Institute (MDI). In addition, after working for the Ministry of Education for three years and five months, she became a communications specialist at the Office of the Vice President of the Gambia.
While there is an upsurge of intellectuals migrating to West for employment opportunities, Mahzouba says opportunities are also available in the African Content. She argues that working in one’s own country in the African Continent is a contribution to national development while being in proximity to friends and family.
“Think of something you’re good at/your passionate about and turn it into your job,” Mahzouba advised. In addition, she insists that job seekers in the African Continent should not sit at home and fold their arms after being rejected. They should freelance, look for internships, and/or volunteer. Although these positions might be unpaid, they can walk away the winner if they accumulate experience and credible recommendations.
Madiba Sillah (Principal Information Officer at the Department of Information Services under the Gambia Government Ministry of Information), and Mahzouba’s former supervisor at the Ministry of Education says, “She started at the Department as an intern and grew professionally under my wings. Due to her strong passion for communication and media work, as well as discipline, and dedication to duty, she was immediately absorbed into the system as Information Officer when we needed one. Since then, Ms. Faal has exuded high professionalism, excellent leadership, and commitment to the mandate and aspirations of the Ministry.”
“She is one of our best and high performing information officers posted across the Government ministries. She is innovative, resourceful and always willing to learn; thus, making her dependable,” Madiba added.
Committed to not only her personal development and success, Mahzouba is determined to leave an impact in her native country. Her success story teaches us that opportunities can be found anywhere on the globe. If we refrain from making excuses and persist in knocking on different doors, one door of opportunity is likely to open for us.
Inside the Life of a Communications Specialist
“Think of something you’re good at/passionate about and turn it into your job.”
“I’m content where I am.”
Mahzouba (R) and her colleague (L)
“My mother is the definition of a strong woman. She is a career woman and family woman. She has made me into the woman that I am. I look forward to being that for my children.”
“It’s better to do something that makes you happy, even if you earn less, and not come home miserable and make your family miserable.”
“Success is doing something that you love while pleasing your Maker.”
Connect with Mahzouba:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mahzouba.faal.94
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahzouba-maya-faal-40b464177
Twitter: @FaalMaya10
Instagram: @mahzoubamaya
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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