NAME: Limya Yasin

AGE: 24 Year Old

NATIONALITY: Sudanese

INTEREST: Photography, Acting.

"My dream is to become a photographer and actor, using my skills to show life in my community, capture the beauty of cultural events, and act in stories that inspire and uplift others."

My passion for photography began when FilmAid Kenya came to our primary school and showed us films about essential issues in our community. During this visit, I noticed a female photographer with FilmAid. Her presence in the male-dominated field of photography inspired me and made me realise that I, too, could be a photographer.

After completing high school, I committed myself to keep learning. I earned a nursing certificate, took an Information Technology (IT) course and worked as a counsellor for women. But my passion for photography persisted. With my first smartphone, I began taking and editing photos and sharing them on social media. I always felt more beautiful and unique in pictures I designed and edited. When I learnt about the FilmAid media class, I saw it as a great chance to learn more about photography. Opportunities like this only come sometimes in Kakuma, and I was eager to join!

After the class, I dream of becoming a culture and fashion photographer. My community has many significant cultural events, and I often hear people say, 'I wish there were a professional photographer to take good photos.' I want to be that person who can step in and take amazing photos. I also have a business where I make liquid soap and supply it to nearby organisations. I would like to use the skills I am learning to take high-quality photos of my products, create logos for the jerry cans, and post them on my page to advertise and help my business grow.  I also want to work behind the camera, acting in films that spread information to the community. 

Improving my skills is not just about personal growth but also about supporting my 4-year-old son. I strive to make him proud and share these skills if he follows a similar path later. Lastly, I want to become a role model, a successful photographer, and an actor and inspire others, especially Sudanese women who face limited opportunities, to pursue their dreams and break barriers.