When I first arrived in the UK, I didn’t expect how deeply I’d feel the absence of home. The sounds, the languages, the food, the laughter shared in Swahili — I missed all of it. I missed feeling like I belonged to a group that understood where I came from without needing an explanation. And so, in a moment of quiet determination, I decided to start the Eastern and Southern African Society at the University of Surrey.

At first, the motivation was simple: I was homesick. I needed to find people from my region, people who shared a cultural lens I could relate to. But what began as a personal search for connection quickly became something much bigger — a community.

Starting the society was not difficult in concept, but the process came with its own challenges. The university requires new societies to go through a ratification process, which ensures that a proposed group is sustainable and aligns with the values of the Students’ Union. It was a necessary step — but a slow and sometimes bureaucratic one. Once we were finally ratified, the real work began.

Finding the right people to help lead the society wasn’t easy. You need individuals you can trust — but trust isn’t the only factor. You need people who are willing to commit their time and energy without monetary reward. That’s a hard ask, especially for students juggling academic pressure, work, and their own personal lives. Yet, somehow, I was fortunate enough to find those people. They weren’t my close friends. In fact, some of them were complete strangers when we met. But we bonded over a shared purpose — a purpose rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”

That one word — Ubuntu — became our compass. It reminded us that our individual success is deeply tied to the success of those around us. It reminded us that we’re stronger when we lift each other up. And it taught us that when one person shines, the whole community glows.

With that mindset, we began organizing our very first events. Our “Chase and FlipIt” event was a breakthrough moment. We raised just under £500 — an incredible achievement for a new society. But the value of that event wasn’t just in the money we raised. It was in the community we built. People came together not just to support us financially, but to learn, laugh, dance, and celebrate the richness of Eastern and Southern African culture.

We didn’t stop there. From that foundation, we grew in numbers and spirit. People from other communities started to collaborate with us, eager to explore different African cultures and broaden their understanding. We didn’t just create a space for ourselves — we created a space for everyone who wanted to experience the vibrancy of our region.

Our first meet-and-greet was unforgettable. Over 90 people showed up. I still remember the feeling of walking into that room and seeing faces light up — faces that would later become close friends, teammates, and co-creators of something truly special.

Now, as we look ahead to the next year, I can’t help but smile. What started from a place of longing became a journey of purpose. The Eastern and Southern African Society is no longer just a society — it’s a family. A family built on the belief that no one should have to feel alone, and that together, we can recreate the warmth of home even in a foreign land.

And to anyone thinking of starting their own society: do it. Find your people. Build your community. Because sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to create something that helps others feel seen, valued, and loved.