My Introduction Post On Hive

ARRIVING IN NIGERIA, your senses will be awakened to a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents as you stand beside the Atlantic Ocean. The warm sea breeze has a salty tang and a tinge of tropical greenery. Looking out to sea, you'll see the great expanse of the water meet the sky in a mesmerising blend of azure hues. Palm trees sway gracefully along the beach, their fronds rustling in time with the surf. Golden dunes reach invitingly beneath your feet, and colourful fishing boats dot the lake. Greetings everyone! I'm Joy Kalu from Nigeria, a land of natural beauty with a combination of marine splendour and lush coastal landscape!

BACKGROUND
I'm from the eastern part of Nigeria.
The eastern part of Nigeria offers a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant cultures. Visitors will encounter bustling cities like Enugu, rich in history and commerce. The region's traditional architecture, colourful markets, and warm hospitality provide a captivating glimpse into Nigeria's diverse heritage.
Despite the fact that the eastern part of Nigeria offers unique vistas and rich cultures in most states,
Picture description: me swimming and enjoying nature

this is not the case in my place of residence. Poor roads, wading through innumerable gullies filled with ponding water, and much more that I don't like to discuss have had a significant impact on nearly everything in my city of residence. Photo credit: shot by my elder brother

Regardless, I don't allow it get into me and steal my peace of mind and joy, but it has positively affected me to see ways to contribute to a better society.
As a result, this has had a significant good impact on me as a person.

Growing up as the second of four siblings, I embraced my Igbo background and proudly flaunt my ebony skin, short black hair, and average height with a slender physique. Beyond appearances, my genuine colours shine through in my hobbies: singing and dancing, which provide delight to my heart. But there's more to me than meets the eye. Empathy, trustworthiness, and a loving disposition fuel my character. These characteristics are anchored in my Christian faith and guide my behaviours as I navigate life's path.

Growing up, I've always wanted to make a difference in my community, just as nature gives us reasons to keep doing so. I'm always on the lookout for new things! Yes, I am insatiably curious! This has inspired me to participate in a variety of workshops and volunteer opportunities, both of which have introduced me to new methods to problem solving and provided me with significant experience and insight. Thanks to Prince David who goes with the username name @herculeand, for introducing me to Hive, one of those that understands my burning drive to make a difference!

EXPERIENCE
I hold a Notional Deploma certificate in the filed of Community Health.

I wear multiple hats professionally: I am the Founder and CEO of Tunnel Lighters Enterprise, a visionary driving innovation
I am also the CFO of Communities Will Connect, which facilitates meaningful interactions. I thrive on delivering memorable experiences as the Chief Organizer of the High School Summit for both 2022 and 2023.

A flyer of the high school summit that has been done
Photo credit: Communities Will Connect

My expertise as a digital marketer, as certified by Google, has allowed me to build a name for myself in the online world.

Recognitions have come my way, such as second place in the Javee writing competition and co-founding the Assist Her Initiative, which promotes empowerment. As a Girl Rising ambassador, I advocate for equality and education.

Consider entering my universe again, where Aba's reality displays a rocky route home, signifying our community's difficulties.

Photo credit: my elder brother

Nonetheless, I stand firm, confronting the difficulties straight on. As the brains behind Feed Abians, I lead a woman-led initiative that combats the eroding impact of climate change through innovative cover cropping with groundnuts and potatoes. Recycling takes centre stage as well, transforming wasted materials into fertile sources for planting veggies, so tackling poverty and climate change at the same time.

VOLUNTEERING WORKS

My commitment to community health is unequivocal, particularly when it comes to children. Over the years, I've taken on many leadership roles, whether at school, volunteering, or project management. In one notable endeavour, I joined forces to prevent a polio outbreak impacting young children. In a fantastic effort, we touched roughly 300 children in Umuogele village, helping to achieve sustainable development goals.

In August 2021, I volunteered in my neighbourhood's fight against measles and yellow fever. In July of the same year, I was a featured speaker, sharing my knowledge of nutrition and skills through Communities Will Connect projects.

My involvement with the Google Developers Group in Aba demonstrates my interest in technology.
For four years, I've dedicated myself to the success of the Google Developers Group Festival, contributing to Abia State's thriving digital economy.

WHY AM I HERE?

Hive is a one-of-a-kind platform that nurtures a large number of change makers that are passionate about bringing about change by harnessing the power of networks, relationships, and knowledge for the greater good. Thus, I hope to gain methods and skills that support a social and culturally diverse community population, refine my change-making ideas to help lessen problems in my neighborhood, and meet with like-minded individuals who are excited about learning new things. I won't be a parasite anyway; you'll all learn a lot from me as I contribute greatly to Hive's growth and success!

Me at the far left
Photo credit: Rad5 Tech Hub

SPECIAL APPRECIATION

Thank you, @indayclara, on behalf of the @ocd team. I also want to thank @lovesnipe