After relocating to Lagos, Nigeria, expat partner Wongelawit Teka was feeling very homesick and quite depressed until she took a volunteering role at a local hospital.
At a low ebb
When Wongelawit relocated from Ethiopia to Nigeria, her husband was straightaway busy at work and thriving in his new role. By contrast, Wongelawit felt as if she had nothing to do and was extremely isolated. “With high unemployment rates in Lagos, I realised that finding a paid position would be tough, so I didn’t hold out much hope,” says Wongelawit ,a pharmacist from Addis Ababa. “I decided to set up a wholesale pharmaceutical business which was my dream and to manage it online. I was missing a sense of community in Lagos and desperate to find a way to get out of the house and connect with local people.”
Seeking volunteers!
“I joined a mission hospital as a volunteer through my Coptic church. Since they didn’t have a role available in pharmacy, they asked me to join the marketing team. I later transferred to the insurance department, which needed extra support. In just four months, I’ve developed my communication skills, enhanced my stakeholder management by connecting with customers, and gained valuable insights into marketing and insurance – a truly priceless learning experience.”
Changed outlook
“The volunteering role has also completely changed my outlook and restored my self-confidence. Every time I go to the hospital, I feel valued. I’m not homesick anymore and in general I’m feeling very positive about life,” says Wongelawit, who has been inspired by her local colleagues. “The Nigerian people are truly an inspiration. They are so dynamic, so hard working and so disciplined. Working alongside them has been such a pleasure.”
A new chapter
“I also want to thank Jasmin Braun, my consultant from Global Connection, and the expatriating company’s partner support program for all of their help. Jasmin was so supportive and always ready to answer my questions as I set up my business. Now I have a really nice balance in my life, working remotely and volunteering. When I think back to how homesick and lonely I felt, I can’t believe how much everything has changed for me. A wonderful new chapter in my life has started.”
Photo: Wongelawit (second from right) with colleagues in Lagos
