Volunteer Spotlight: Wali

March 9, 2018

This month we would like to spotlight Rodrigue, who goes by Wali!

Wali is originally from Burkina Faso, located in West Africa. Wali came to the US in February 2016, and has been volunteering with us since November 2017!

Before coming to the US, he was involved with helping others in a health center. So, when he came to the U.S. he wanted to find a way to continue his passion for helping people in Philadelphia. As a native French speaker, he started out by studying English at the Welcoming Center. Walking to school one day, he passed by BSM and decided to start volunteering!

Wali is a part of a Community Action Project through the Welcoming Center. The group is made up of four people all from different countries. The goal of the project is to integrate a community involvement group with the immigrant community. The thought process is having four people all sharing their culture together and spreading it to the U.S. community.

Wali has made many friends while serving lunch and sorting mail at BSM. He often reflects on the quote by Les Brown: “Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.” When asked what keeps Wali coming back to BSM he states that he is “very motivated to continue to give my best when I see that the guests are very happy to have conversations with us, and that makes me happy too.”

We are grateful for Volunteers like Wali and groups like The Community Action Project, from Broad Street Ministry and our guests, Thank you!