Halima Aden, the hijab-wearing model changing fashion - BBC HARDtalk

Summary

Alima Aden, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and former refugee, reflects on her powerful journey from a Kenyan refugee camp to global prominence as a model. In this emotional interview, she revisits her roots, sharing the transformative impact of her return to the camp where she grew up. Despite the hardships faced, Alima highlights the resilience of refugees and emphasizes the importance of hope, dreams, and the enduring human spirit. Through her advocacy, she aspires to inspire others, especially children in refugee camps, to dream beyond their circumstances and embrace their potential for a brighter future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alima Arden, a former refugee, became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and returned to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya where she lived as a child.
• 😀 Her emotional return to Kakuma was a mix of positive memories and a sobering realization of the camp's growth and ongoing challenges.
• 😀 At 21, Alima saw the camp had doubled in size since her family left, with some people still living there, which deeply saddened her.
• 😀 Alima was moved by the fact that refugee camps still exist in today's world, but she found hope in the work done by organizations like UNHCR and UNICEF.
• 😀 Alima's mother had once suggested she become a doctor to help people through organizations like UNICEF, which later inspired her commitment to helping others.
• 😀 Alima believes that despite her fame as a model, she can still make a real difference in the lives of people from Kakuma and similar refugee communities.
• 😀 She wished she had someone who had walked in her shoes to show her hope, and she now wants to be that person for children in the camp.
• 😀 Alima dreams of a future where organizations like UNICEF are no longer necessary because every child receives what they deserve.
• 😀 Alima was inspired by the resilience and strength of the refugees in Kakuma, recognizing that refugees have much to offer, despite their struggles.
• 😀 Despite limited resources, the children in Kakuma displayed incredible spirit and joy, emphasizing the importance of hope and the beauty of their inner strength.

Q & A

What was Alima Arden's emotional experience when returning to the refugee camp in Kenya at the age of 21?

Alima Arden described her return to the refugee camp as a whirlwind of emotions. It was her first time coming back since she was seven years old, and she had vivid memories of her childhood there. Returning as an adult, she saw the camp from a different perspective, witnessing the growth of the camp and the ongoing struggles faced by its residents.

How did Alima Arden feel about the continued existence of refugee camps in the modern world?

Alima was deeply saddened and heartbroken to find that there were still refugee camps in existence. Despite the progress made in the world, she found it shocking that such camps continued to exist, particularly in the 21st century, and felt it was unacceptable.

What did Alima Arden think about the work done by organizations like UNHCR and UNICEF in the refugee camp?

Alima felt proud of the work done by organizations like UNHCR and UNICEF. She recognized that while there were still many challenges, these organizations were making a significant positive impact, improving the conditions in the camp and offering support to its residents.

Why did Alima Arden's mother suggest that she become a doctor, and how does this relate to her later involvement with UNICEF?

Alima's mother suggested she become a doctor because she believed that by doing so, Alima could work with agencies like UNICEF to help people in need, particularly those in situations similar to her own. This advice influenced Alima's desire to contribute to the well-being of others, especially in the context of refugee crises.

What did Alima Arden mean when she said she wanted to offer hope to children in refugee camps?

Alima expressed a desire to be a source of hope for children in refugee camps by showing them that a better future is possible. She wished to inspire them to dream big and believe in their potential, emphasizing that their circumstances shouldn't define their worth or future opportunities.

What did Alima Arden say about the resilience and strength of refugees?

Alima highlighted the remarkable resilience and strength of refugees, pointing out that they are strong-minded, capable, and have much to offer. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, they possess a spirit that remains unbroken, which she believes is a unique gift that no one can take away from them.

How did Alima Arden describe the sense of joy and hope in the refugee camp despite the difficult conditions?

Alima was struck by the happiness and positivity she observed in the children at the camp. Even though the camp lacked many of the material resources we take for granted, the children were singing, dancing, and displaying joy. This showed her the power of the human spirit and how people can find happiness even in the most difficult circumstances.

What personal experiences did Alima Arden wish she had when growing up in a refugee camp?

Alima expressed a wish that she had someone who had walked in her shoes to come back to the camp and tell her that it was okay to dream and hope for a better future. She wanted someone to show her that there was a life beyond the camp and that she deserved to dream and achieve great things.

What vision did Alima Arden have for the future of refugee children and camps?

Alima envisioned a future where organizations like UNICEF were no longer needed because every child would have access to the basic rights and opportunities they deserve. She dreamed of a world where children could grow up in safety, with the resources to build a better life.

How does Alima Arden view her own success story in relation to other refugees?

Alima sees her success as a beacon of hope for other refugees. She believes that there are many others with the potential for success, and that with the right support and opportunities, they too can overcome their challenges. She is determined to show that refugees are not defined by their circumstances but by their strength and determination.