Ghada Elzend

I would like to take this opportunity to share my story of being part of the Bayine Sports Initiative, which utilizes basketball to serve the marginalized segment of the Egyptian African community – the African refugees. We are proud to operate under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What does this have to do with the mentorship program in the NBA Africa office? It has a lot! I have been fortunate to live through a 3-day immersion experience, witnessing grassroots NBA programs in South Africa and gaining insights into all the operations behind the scenes.

As World Basketball Day dawns, I stand taller, not just as a mentee but as an advocate for community upliftment through sports. The lessons learned, the connections forged, the stories shared – they echo within me, a testament to the transformative power of basketball and the NBA Africa program.

Kornelia, my partnership mentor, spared no effort in making those three days a masterclass in organizational finesse. My takeaways from her include organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management. I was fortunate to be part of her team, assisting with tasks and contributing my insights.

Beyond the visual meetings, I acquired on-the-ground skills, learned self-awareness from her perspective through open discussions, and gained insights on clearer direction. The entire program made me more humble, teachable, and facilitated connections among my fellow mentees as I learned from them and their insights. It enhanced my ability to listen actively and with openness. Moreover, writing reports occasionally and committing to professionalism under the supervision of Marie and Speak Up Africa staff was beyond great.

This mentorship was my manifestation since I shifted my career into sports, so it is a huge pride milestone for me. It held many learning experiences and broadened my perspective with numerous success stories heard through the invaluable networking I made. Each person along this journey affected me in one way or another. The different modules we went through till present, I see them well-crafted for us and fitting seamlessly into my personal growth and essential life skills for any mentee in the sports field.

The NBA Africa mentorship wasn’t just a program; it was the culmination of my career shift, a dream realized. Each encounter, each lesson learned, was a priceless gem, an inspiration that continues to shape my path.

« As World Basketball Day dawns, I stand taller, not just as a mentee but as an advocate for community upliftment through sports. The lessons learned, the connections forged, the stories shared – they echo within me, a testament to the transformative power of basketball and the NBA Africa program. »

Ghada Elzend