My name is Mariatou, and I am 10 years old. This year, I did not go to Afrika Expo only as a visitor. I also prepared something myself. I created posters for a small exhibition called “Save African Animals!” While working on them, I read and learned a lot about African wildlife. I began to understand how many species are endangered and how much responsibility people have for protecting them.

I have always loved animals, but before this project, protecting nature mostly meant to me that we should not litter, that we should take care of animals and not hurt them. During the 14th Afrika Expo Budapest, however, I began to understand much more clearly what responsible thinking really means.

At the Expo, I visited the stands of many civil society and non-profit organisations. I spoke with people who work to help animals, children and local communities in Africa. I realised that you do not have to be an adult to do something for others and make a difference.

One of my most memorable experiences was at the Roots & Shoots stand, where I symbolically adopted a chimpanzee. I really liked the idea that I could help an animal living very far away from me. Afterwards, I wanted to learn even more about chimpanzees, their habitats and the reasons why they are endangered.

At another stand, run by the Afrika Másként Foundation, I also learned that it is possible to support children and young people so that they can continue their education. I chose a student living in Mali whom I would like to support as a long-distance sponsor. This was very important to me because I usually take it for granted that I can go to school and that I have books, notebooks and teachers. At the Expo, I truly understood that this is not something every child can take for granted.

Perhaps the biggest change in me was that I no longer simply think, “I feel sorry for endangered animals” or “I feel sorry for children living in more difficult circumstances.” Instead, I ask myself: what can I do?

Maybe at the age of ten I cannot solve Africa’s problems. But I can learn about them. I can tell other people what I have learned. I can make posters. I can support the protection of an animal. I can help another child continue their education. And I also think it is important that, as I grow up, I make decisions knowing that what I buy, what I throw away, how I travel and how I think about nature can have consequences somewhere else in the world too.

Before the 14th Afrika Expo Budapest, Africa was mainly an exciting continent to me, full of animals and fascinating cultures. After the Expo, I also understand that we are connected to the people, animals and natural environment of Africa.

While preparing my “Save African Animals!” exhibition, I wanted to teach other people something. In the end, however, I was the one who learned the most.

I learned that responsibility does not begin when someone becomes an adult.

It begins when you realise that you can make a difference too.