As a first-generation Canadian, Attiya Hirji knew from a young age that growing up in Canada afforded her unique opportunities.
“Looking inwardly to my own family as immigrants from a developing country, I was inspired to devote my life to alleviating some of the inequality and poverty that I know exists in the world,” she says. “I remember being about 8 years old and struggling to comprehend why girls my age living in a country across the globe weren’t living similar lives – I questioned why they weren’t in school or didn’t have easy access to a doctor.”
Almost since she could walk, Attiya has been involved with World Partnership Walk in some capacity: as a fundraiser, staff, and most recently as volunteer.
“World Partnership Walk offers Canadians an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people they’ve never met,” she says. “Through the Walk and AKFC, I’ve learned that we can make a difference from right here at home in Canada. We can stand up and assume our responsibility as global citizens to take care of one another. That’s pretty powerful.”
A few years ago, Attiya took her passion one step further, and joined the 2017-2018 cohort of the International Youth Fellowship program.
“I came into the fellowship a little disheartened and confused about my place in development and the world. This opportunity broadened my horizons and gave me the chance to really focus on what’s important to me, and where I can spend my time to have an impact on something beyond myself,” she says.
Placed at the University of Central Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Attiya was able to travel widely, meet locals and foreigners alike, and experience an entirely new culture. While the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone, Attiya says it has been life-changing: “The fellowship solidified my passion for working in development. This experience has reignited my spark.”
Through the Walk and her time as a fellow, Attiya says one of the biggest things that kept her going was the people she met along the way.
“Working alongside passionate, dedicated, and selfless people has helped me professionally and personally. This is what pushes me: being inspired by people who will work tirelessly to get the job done, and believe wholeheartedly in the work they’re undertaking,” she says.
Today, Attiya continues to work in the development sector, as a fund development officer at Oxfam Canada. While she enjoyed working overseas, she says there is potential here in Canada to have an impact around the world.
“It’s my hope in the future that more people find a place in their lives and their hearts to take that first step to make a difference in the world,” she says. “Whether that’s by raising awareness on global issues they feel strongly about, writing to their local Member of Parliament, fundraising, volunteering at Walk—my hope is that more people feel the responsibility and need to be a global citizen, and take action to effectuate change.”
