Salama is a 14-year-old girl from Al Ain leading her youth team, the Happiness Ambassadors, to participate in and organise a variety of volunteer events with a focus on sustainability. Her path has its ups and downs, but she continues to pull through every time. Read along to see how she stays inspired!
Inspiring Heroes
Salama Mesfer Alaryani
Salama’s family has always placed an emphasis on sustainability. She recalls the times her grandfather–may he rest in peace–sowed seeds in the backyard, and everyone in the family helped him pick the harvest. She loved seeing how much he cared for his land. Her mother also had an impact on her sustainable upbringing. Every evening, she would tell her children to recycle their waste in the proper bins.
Growing up with those influences, Salama’s curiosity flourished. She wanted to understand the process of planting, and how recycling worked, and what her part could be in protecting our environment.
“Sustainability is the route we must follow to live in a safe, clean environment,” says Salama.
Salama felt excited when the Year of Sustainability 2023 was announced, and wanted to make a difference. Her father suggested that she form a youth team that participates in sustainability initiatives, but she hesitated. Could she really lead a team at 13 years old? However, with her parents’ encouragement and support, she created a poster inviting people to join the Happiness Ambassadors. At first, she was disappointed not to get any applications, but the next time she checked, she found 21 applications from people excited to join her work.
The Happiness Ambassadors team, led by Salama, started participating in events across the UAE, such as the Year of Sustainability’s National Day Mangrove Project. The team also helped students from UAEU to present their sustainability projects at COP28. There were times when not all the members were able to join, but Salama remained positive, dedicated, and hardworking, and the team often received accolades for their impactful participation.
Soon after, the Happiness Ambassadors started organising their own events. Their biggest initiative was called Ard Mustadama, or Sustainable Land, where they successfully collaborated with the Emirates Happiness Positiveness Association to distribute 100 sapling trees to family, friends, and those interested, and teach them about sustainability. “The feeling was indescribable,” says Salama. “It was incredible to share our joy and passion for sustainability with everyone.”
Salama’s journey is a shining example of resilience and dedication. She continually rises up to the challenge, leading the Happiness Ambassadors team to deliver excellent results in every participation and initiative.
Want to keep up with the Happiness Ambassadors initiatives? You can follow them on Instagram @happiness___ambassadors
