Tell me a bit about yourself & what you do?
My name is Suem Valiyff and I am 26 years old. I am one of the founders and directors of Believe You Can Foundation. I am also a Primary and Middle school teacher and currently studying to work in Child Protection.
What inspires you with your work?
My biggest inspiration to start Believe You Can Foundation was that I wanted to make a difference to communities and also give a chance and opportunity to students and people to help make a difference. My grandma inspired me to start the foundation, as she always encouraged us to leave our mark on the world and help those in need.
Did you always see yourself in your current role and if you could do something completely different what would it be?
Yeah I always knew that I wanted to set up my own organisation/ foundation to help underprivileged communities and ensure that they have the support that they need. I have always wanted to help those that were not as privileged to grow up the way that I did. I would want to open a cafe that helps communities in need.
What are you most proud of?
I am mostly proud about starting up Believe You Can Foundation with my cousin Maria Valiff. Doing this has given us the stepping stone to make a huge difference to underprivileged communities and a platform to reach out to more communities around the world.
Who inspires you and why?
My mother is a great inspiration to me, she has worked hard at everything she does and never gives up. Regardless of the obstacles and hardships she has faced, she has been resilient, loving and kind. She always finds a way and believes anything is possible, which is the energy that I want to embody all the time.
What does wellbeing mean to you?
My health overall, which includes my mental health as well as my physical health. Wellbeing is the time I take out for myself, the food I put into my body, the sleep I have and the energy I surround myself with.
What are your favourite ways to move your body?
I love going on hikes and going to the gym. Doing this helps me clear my mind and challenge and push myself to my limits.
How do you stay motivated?
It can be kind of a struggle to find the motivation, however having such an awesome team does help. Through taking time for myself, eating well and being physically active allows me to be my best self at markets and when interacting with our supporters.
What does a day on your plate look like?
After a day of teaching, the afternoons are spent on working on Believe you Can foundation. Myself and my amazing team all have different roles within the organisation. So our afternoons are spent working on our task for the week and getting out the word of Believe You Can Foundation.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
Netflix in my oodie hehe
Please share your favourite book or podcast.
I love listening to Crime podcasts and solving them in my head.
Do you have a favourite travel destination and if so why?
My favourite travel destination is Cambodia. When I first travelled there, I never really saw the fascination to it. However, spending the month I fell in love with the culture, food, people and scenery. A local in Cambodia once said to me. Cambodia is like a Lotus flower. A lotus flower's roots are based in mud, it submerges every night into murky river water, and undeterred by its dirty environment it miraculously re-blooms the next morning without residue on its petals. Like Cambodia, no one would think to travel here, however once you dig deep into their history, culture and get to know the locals, you fall in love with it.
Do you have a healthy recipe that you would like to share?
I love banana bread and a healthy one too. I found this Leah Itsines recipe which is amazing and guilt free. You can add berries or choc too.
BANANA AND APPLE BREAD
Ingredients
● 1 cup almond meal
● 1/4 cup coconut flour
● 1 teaspoon baking powder
● 3 eggs
● 3 very ripe bananas mashed
● 1/4 cup raw honey
● 1 red apple
● Small pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Place all ingredients into a bowl except the apple.
3. Chop apple in half and cut out the core. Using half of the apple, finely dice into small pieces.
4. Add chopped apple into the bowl and mix thoroughly.
5. In an oiled bread baking tray, pour mixture and spread evenly edge to edge.
6. Using the other half of the apple, finely slice them into thin strips and place onto of the cake mixture.
7. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Using a skewer, poke into the centre of the cake and if it comes out clean, the cake will be ready.
If comes out with batter on the skewer, leave to cook for a further 5-10 minutes.
What’s the best health advice you have ever received/ do you have a motto that you live by?
The best health advice I have received would be to never compare yourself, to make goals that will help you love yourself more and always work on being the best version of yourself.
What is the best way for people to support the Believe You Can Foundation?
Best way to support us is by donating online or buying some of our merchandise. We are currently selling handmade earrings and scrunchies online at our website https://believeyoucanfoundation.square.site/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to check out when our next markets are on too.
Sharing our page and work is also another way you can support us and get our name out there
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