TEDx Talks - don't let anyone make you despair of life. | Dr Ahmed Barzenji | TEDxArafa
The speaker recounts growing up in Iraq amidst war, where the sound of explosions was a regular occurrence. Despite these challenges, he pursued education with the dream of becoming a doctor to help those in need. His passion for innovation led him to participate in invention competitions, eventually representing Iraq internationally and winning a gold medal. This achievement, however, was met with little recognition back home, teaching him the importance of self-appreciation. Later, he co-founded 'Free Doctors' to provide free medical aid, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they distributed plasma to patients in need. His efforts highlight the power of ideas and community action in overcoming adversity and making a positive impact.
Key Points:
- Growing up in war-torn Iraq instilled resilience and a desire to help others.
- Pursued education and innovation, leading to international recognition.
- Learned self-appreciation after lack of recognition for achievements.
- Co-founded 'Free Doctors' to provide free medical aid, especially during COVID-19.
- Emphasizes the power of ideas and community action in creating positive change.
Details:
1. 🎶 Childhood Memories of War
- Loud and frightening sounds created an environment of fear and anxiety, deeply affecting children's sense of security.
- A practical approach was taken by a father who used scented covers and cotton to protect his children from the noise, showing an innovative strategy to mitigate the impact of war sounds.
- The focus on protecting the younger sibling underscores the need to prioritize care for more vulnerable family members during stressful situations.
- The emotional impact on the children included heightened anxiety and the need for security, demonstrating the psychological challenges faced during wartime.
- Examples of other families employing similar or different strategies could provide a broader perspective on coping mechanisms during war.
2. 🏫 Growing Up in Conflict
- The speaker began life amidst war, adapting to the sounds and realities of conflict from an early age.
- Despite the conflict, the speaker's education started normally, with aspirations to become a doctor to aid those in need, highlighting resilience and ambition.
- The speaker emphasizes the significance of moral education, particularly respecting elders and showing kindness to younger individuals, ingrained from childhood.
- A memorable cultural lesson was learning to remain silent when elders speak, reflecting the importance of respect and hierarchy in the community.
- The school environment was directly impacted by the conflict, with physical evidence like damage to classrooms, such as a hole in the sixth-grade classroom, illustrating the tangible effects of the war.
- These experiences shaped the speaker's character, instilling resilience, a strong moral compass, and a deep understanding of the impact of education and healthcare in conflict zones.
3. 👨⚕️ Dreams and Aspirations
- During sixth grade, the narrator experienced a violent event which left a profound impact on them, shaping their future aspirations.
- The threat of explosions and violence during school lessons created a tense and traumatic learning environment.
- Exposure to constant gunfire was part of the children's daily lives, contributing to a pervasive sense of fear.
- A pivotal moment occurred when the narrator narrowly escaped violence at a young age, highlighting the constant danger present.
- The death of an elderly journalist witnessed by the narrator became a turning point, leading to their departure from Baghdad.
- This incident not only marked a personal farewell to Baghdad but also reflected the broader issue of educated individuals leaving Iraq due to instability.
4. 🏅 International Achievements
- Initially participated in invention competitions in Iraq and faced setbacks but improved over time, showcasing resilience.
- Achieved third place in a national invention competition in Iraq after multiple attempts, demonstrating persistence.
- At the age of 14 or 15, developed a new invention and secured second place in Iraq, indicating early talent and innovation.
- Selected to represent Iraq internationally in an Olympics-style competition despite upcoming crucial exams, showing dedication and commitment.
- Demonstrated a strong commitment to representing the country internationally, willing to take academic risks for national pride.
5. 🤲 Humanitarian Initiatives
- Achieved first place globally, raising the Iraqi flag and the Kurdish flag, representing national pride.
- Despite winning a gold medal, experienced a lack of recognition from the public and authorities upon returning to Iraq.
- Learned at the age of 14 not to expect external recognition and that the greatest achievement is self-appreciation.
- Initiated a humanitarian project to serve people for free, starting with medical students donating event funds to children with cancer.
- Co-founded Free Doctors, starting with 18 people, purchasing treatments and gifts for patients, marking the beginning of realizing a long-held dream.
6. 💡 Innovative Crisis Solutions
6.1. Growth and Initial Impact
6.2. COVID-19 Crisis Response
7. 🤝 Promoting Peace and Coexistence
- The initiative emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in fostering peaceful coexistence among different communities.
- Youth engagement is a key strategy, providing them with opportunities to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds to encourage mutual understanding and respect.
- Organizing workshops and seminars for youth is recommended to discuss shared values and the significance of coexistence in building a harmonious society.
- The TEDx Arfa conference was highlighted for its role in facilitating idea exchange and inspiration, likening ideas to seeds of the future that need to be sown now for collective benefits later.
- Practical actions include encouraging youth participation in community events, fostering dialogue, and recognizing the contributions of diverse groups to societal harmony.