Mardoche Yembi

In my life I've got the Great luck of meeting great people and doing great things! I've travel in some countries of the world. One of the most great experience I've ever lived was Raleigh International, Where I got the chance of working as a volunteer in a social project an environmental project and a leadership program! This experience change my life, but not only because of the program, but because there is where I met my good friend Mardoche, we were living in a national park with other 12 people, working together eating together for 3 weeks. I like to call him Manny! He is the most positive gently humble and nice person I've ever met, he told me a little bit about his story, I feel very sorry that my English was not good enough to understand perfectly everything that we talk about, working inside the deep forest conversations got deep, in that moment of my life I was very confused about many things, I was not sure about what I was going to do with my life, and talking to manny was always very nice and help me seeing things more positive! He teach me about Love tolerance and The willing of helping, I don't think he even though I learn does things from him, he is just so natural, that you get those things just by being around him! He is also a very strong person, physically and mentally! I remember having fun with him as we work on a trail in the national Park in Costa Rica, we had to bring some heavy rocks up the trail and we talk and sing all the way up, even we were tired, he's got a positive vibration that is very contagious. I really hope I can see him again, either way in England Costa Rica or in any part of the world!

Siobhan Child (Raleigh international volunteer)

I met Mardoche in Costa Rica, 2015 with the programme 'Raleigh International'. It was the first time i had done anything like Raleigh, and was therefore understandably quite nervous upon arrival. I got to the base camp 3 weeks after most of the others there, which left me feeling a bit of outsider. I somehow ended up talking to Mardoche, who made me feel so much better; he was warm, kind and made me feel so at ease. I listened to him tell me about his life back home, and what he planned on doing in the future-I can genuinely say that straight way I found this man inspiring; the way he talked about life and the effects he one day wanted to have on the world was short of gripping. unfortunately, I did not get to spend a phase (either an expedition or two weeks helping a community) with him during Raleigh. However, after returning from phase, groups were asked  to perform a skit of the time together. Mardoche's group's skit involved Mardoche keeping the group motivated while they were tirelessly building latrines for a Nicaraguan community. According to the group, when everyone was tired and feeling down, Mardoche would do always be the one to make them feel better and want to work harder, he would do this with a permanent smile on his face. After completing  our final phases, awards were given out to those that had made  an impact on Raleigh- these awards included 'Best Friend Golden Award', Outstanding Leadership' and 'Most  Improved Language Skills'. Finally, the nominees for final award were revealed- Golden Mess Tin: Spirit Of Raleigh International'. This award was seen as the biggest one of the night. Everyone was Extremely excited  and within a few short seconds of the nominees (which included Mardoche) being told, everyone  started chanting Mardoche's name! Eventually the winner revealed and, of course, it was Mardoche. Everyone  stood up and cheered, it was phenomenal how much noise we managed to make! It was the best part of the night! It was obvious that he was the most memorable and touch the hearts of many. Although I didn't get to spend as much time with Mardoche as I would have liked to, it was obvious by the effect he had on people just what an incredible person. 

Jack Ironside  ( Arsenal)

Mardoche is an inspiring man full of enthusiasm. He has a fantastic role model to others with an infectious positive outlook on life. I have known Mardoche for many years now and he has achieved so much but I known there is a lot more to come.

Akosua Annobil (former Headliners UK Project )

Mardoche is by far one the most committed and motivated young people I have had the pleasure to work with. His infectious enthusiasm and ability to tackle challenges with a smile motivates both his peers, and those who come in to contact with him. Mardoche has a bright future ahead, and will no doubt achieve whatever it is he put his mind to, I look forward to seeing his growth in coming years!

Tom Boom (former Raleigh International )

Mardoche is a positive man who is empowered to share his story with the world. passion on helping others is inspiring it's always a pleasure to work with Mardoche and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact his motivational speaking help to create.

Natasha Arpino (former CYP Peers mentor and youth worker )

  Within my 8 years of knowing Mardoche in peers mentor and youth worker capacity. I implore his robust levels of resilience to flourish for infinity of aspirations. truly... a secret of success and joy, that is not fearful of making mistakes and striving for change

Jamie Gane ( Camino de Santiago trip)

On the 11th of February, I was picked up at 3am to start my journey to Santiago. After arriving with minutes to spare before my flight, I made it onto the plane with nothing but a few items of clothes, some toiletries and a sleeping bag.

Rewinding to February, I had a meeting with a charity called Young Star Mentoring called Tony. He explained to me that he would be running a trip whereby young people from all walks of life would join him to complete a section of the Camino de Santiago. After quite a few last-minute changes, the team was set to go. We were to start in Leon and (hopefully) finish at the Compostela in Santiago, with only 15 days to complete the 322km trek.

We had stayed in a monastery in Leon for our first night and set off at about 6am to start our journey. To my dismay, about 100m down the road, I had somehow punctured the back wheel in my Mountain Trike wheelchair. Unfortunately, the shops did not open until 9:30/10 so we had to carry my chair for about 5km to the next town, for it to be fixed. Luckily though, the puncture was easy to solve and we head off straight afterwards.

For the next few weeks, we battled through wind and rain, as well as blaring sunshine to go on a journey that would really change our lives. We stayed in hostels that, if we had our own room, would be hundreds of pounds a night.

Throughout the journey, I met some truly amazing individuals from all across the globe. After talking with these people, I really feel as though I have a better understanding of how the word works and different cultures. The people really did make my trip.

Around day 7, I was rolling through treacherous terrain when the steering cable snapped on my wheelchair. I had no option but to stop at the next small town and just hope that someone would be able to help. Fortunately, the universe provided and a lovely group of cyclists with a support vehicle gave me a spare cable.

Every day was the same in terms of getting up and walking but the scenery was so variant. One day we were high in the mountains, unable to even capture the beauty with a camera and then the next day, we would be wondering through a forest.

Disability-wise, the terrain was extremely difficult to manage. Fortunately, I had purchased a Mountain Trike wheelchair, which was fantastic for off-road. Despite having a few falls in the chair, it really was a god-send. The albergue's (hostels) weren't accessible but luckily, I had my Iwalk with me to tackle showers and steep in/declines.

The morning of the last day, we awoke at 5am to ensure that we would have sufficient time in the city. By about 8am, we were passed the halfway mark and adamant that we would get there! With only 10km to go, my steering cable snapped again! I couldn't believe it! Luckily, I had a fantastic team behind me who were offering their support throughout and they steered my chair, while I pushed it with my arms.

The whole experience of 'walking' the Camino de Santiago is definitely one that I would recommend to other individuals. The team that I went with were extremely supportive and I am very grateful to their ability to carry my chair when I was unable to. Their perseverance through the 322km of tough terrain was fantastic to see and I really respect their attitude and patience.

As you can tell, I had an amazing experience overall. I cannot thank Tony and Young Star Mentoring enough for giving me the opportunity to experience something that I would have never thought possible otherwise.

If anybody is interested in walking the Camino, whether you're disabled or not, please get in contact as we may be arranging more trips in the future!

Tope Ibitaye (former Mentor)

Working with Mardoche is always a joy and enriching time and experience. Mardoche is a bright, passionate and a thorough individual. He has a big heart and care towards his work- in motivating and being an example  of experience and application of to all whom  Mardoche meets and work with.  A truly selfless and thoughtful person. who's creativity and care is all about encouraging and uplifting his peers, youth, society and community. Mardoche is a true Diamond in a rough, awaiting to shine and shimmer through. 

Richard Hoskins (The Boy in the River author)

Tony ( young Star Mentoring  Founder) 

Drive Forward Foundation 

Anne 

I was sorry to miss the showing of your powerful film- it was an amazing achievement and very brave of you. I wish you well, Mardoche. keep well and take care.

Ross ( Raleigh international volunteer)

I had the pleasure of knowing Mardoche in Costa Rica and still talk to him to this day, He is such a lovely man and I can't think of anyone more worthy of this than him, peace and love Scotland!

Highbury grove school , student I went school with and  grew up with card signed when I was going through it. (7.O)

Debbie (school teacher) 

School Teacher