My name is Ahmed Elzokm, 28 years old Egyptian with a background in hospitality. Over the past few years, I’ve shifted my focus toward community work, art, and volunteering. I believe in the power of connection—whether through creativity, culture, or simply sharing my experiences with someone. This is my story.

I always ask myself this question: What makes us feel human?

I believe, being human means helping someone who feels lost—bringing back their hope and passion for life. It’s not always a person. Sometimes, it’s an animal with no home, just needing a little care. That’s what humanity means to me. I didn’t always think like this. But life teaches you what really matters—especially when you step out of your comfort zone.

A few years ago, I felt lost myself. I had studied hospitality and worked in kitchens, but deep down, something was missing. I wasn’t living the life I dreamed of. I wanted to create, to give, to feel useful—not just for money, but for meaning. That’s when I discovered volunteering. At first, it was just a simple idea—maybe a break, maybe a chance to try something new. But it became much more than that. It became a way to find myself again.

I found this organisation to be the perfect match for me, because it gives a real chance to people who feel lost or left behind—people who are simply looking for a space to rediscover themselves. From my point of view, that’s the key to everything in life: helping others find their purpose again. And I believe this kind of change needs certain elements a calm, clean, and simple environment—which I saw clearly in “Centre de Beaumotte”.

After being selected for this volunteering experience, I started to imagine what it would feel like to live and work with people from different cultures and languages. I’m very excited to meet others, share our stories, and learn from one another. One of the things I’m really looking forward to is introducing them to Egyptian culture—and maybe organising events related to art, fashion, and painting. For me, art is more than a hobby. It’s a way to release negative energy, to focus, and to find yourself even in the small moments we may experience during the project. I believe that discovering a culture different from my own can shape me in a positive way. It opens doors, challenges our limits, and helps us grow into better versions of ourselves.

Through this volunteering experience, I also hope to improve practical skills—like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Working with an international group will definitely teach me how to collaborate with people who think differently, which is an essential skill in today’s world. I’m also excited to improve my language skills, especially English and French, and to develop a deeper understanding of how creative expression—through art, fashion, or design—can bring people together and create real impact in a community.

One of the most touching moments I’ve experienced was during my volunteering in a tropical fruit farm. I used to meet young boys who worked there every day—some were just teenagers, and this job was their only source of income. Every morning, I brought them breakfast and spent time talking to them, listening to their stories, their dreams. It was just a simple thing, but it made me understand how much it means to be kind to others to listen, to care, and to be present. Even during hard work in the sun, sharing small moments with those boys made me feel the real value of volunteering.

This project isn’t just a volunteering opportunity for me—it’s a step toward building the life I believe in. A life full of purpose, creativity, and connection.

Ahmed Elzokm

Copyright: Association du Centre de Beaumotte (Facebook)