Co-produced by Rogan Productions and the BBC, ‘Young, Clever & Libyan’ is a three-part documentary that recently aired on BBC World.
We followed 23 science and technology graduates from Benghazi to the UK as they embarked on a year-long course at Cambridge University. Their mission is to bring back skills to help build Libya’s scientific research base and move away from a reliance on the oil industry, but as the country descends further into civil war, it is unclear what sort of situation will they return to.
We interviewed Najla, one of the Libyan graduates, to bring you exclusive insight into her journey to England and how the experience has changed her outlook on life. The documentary follows Najla’s story as she develops her skills and confidence, thrives in social situations and conquers her fear of animals.
Could you give us an introduction to your background and your family?
I graduated in 2013 from the Electrical Engineering Telecommunications faculty at Benghazi University. I come from a humble, medium-sized family and grew up in an environment where education was the most important thing. I have always been encouraged to read from a young age by my mum, who is a fierce reader herself.
How has this experience changed you as a person?
The programme provided me with a supportive and encouraging environment that allowed me to grow as a person. The experience helped me improve my ability to communicate effectively to different people and audiences, and most importantly it helped me to overcome my fears.
What advice would you give to others embarking on similar opportunities to you?
To work hard to maximize their benefit from the experience.
How did you find being followed around by a camera the whole time?
At first I found it awkward, being followed by a camera made it harder to fit in, mingle and work with a team. Even being in one-to-one meetings felt like I was standing in front of crowd, making the experience more challenging. With time and after getting to know the filming crew it became less awkward, and then after couple of months I started to forget that I was being filmed, talking to the camera as freely as if I would to a friend.
What advice would you give others about being in a documentary?
I know that’s easier said than done, but forget about the camera and just be yourself. What did you find the hardest thing about the experience? Going abroad to a different environment and working within a different culture was a challenging experience. When we worked on a project, we had to present it in the right way to make sure it had value. Having to present in a different language and stand in front of crowd was a huge challenge for me, but with determination, hard work and the right support, I overcame my fears.
How has it been returning to Libya after finishing the year-long course in England?
We returned to Libya with plans, a bright outlook of hope and full of energy to start putting into practice what we had learned throughout our time abroad. Despite the current political situation causing us many obstacles, we are working our best under these circumstances to reach our goals and achieve our vision.
Najla is now back in Benghazi, last week the civil war broke out on her street so she had to move to her Grandma’s house to avoid the conflict. Despite the current situation in Libya being volatile, the 23 graduates who embarked on the programme are optimistic about the future of Libya and achieving their vision for their country.
To watch clips from the ‘Young, Clever & Libyan’ series visit the BBC World website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n27vnlv7
