My name is Ifunanya (Ify) Anyaegbu, an Engineering Manager, passionate humanitarian advocate, and the founder of FACEYOUTH, an organisation dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children and youth through mental health initiatives, education, and community outreach.

I was born in Enugu, Nigeria, and raised with a strong sense of purpose and the belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve greatness. My parents, both highly respected professionals, taught me the value of integrity, hard work, and service. Growing up in a humble, yet rich community where distinctions between rich and poor were minimal, I always believed that education and determination were keys to unlocking a better future.

Even better. I moved to the UK over fifteen years ago, as an expatriate seeking to expand my horizons as an engineer in the oil and gas industry. I still vividly remember arriving in Aberdeen in November 2009—my first icy encounter with the city. It was a challenging time when work-related anxiety and the culture shock of adapting to a new environment deeply affected my mental health.

Adjusting to life in a foreign country, far from my support network, felt overwhelming. Despite landing my dream job, I often found myself battling feelings of loneliness and isolation. The immense pressure to navigate an unfamiliar culture while excelling in my career created an emotional storm that was incredibly difficult to manage.

My journey began in a toasty 34°C in Lagos and dropped me into a freezing -4°C in Aberdeen in November 2009 to run the cutting-edge new pressure while drilling technology for our high paying North sea Clients at the time. I landed, saw the snow, and instantly wanted to sprint back to Nigeria! Then came the real shock: someone casually mentioned I had to walk to the train station to get to the office in Dyce. Walk? In this weather? I told my manager at the time, “This must be a joke, right? Take me back home, please!”

Fifteen years later, I’m still here braving the cold and enjoying it (inside joke 🤦‍♀️❄️🤪)

I stayed because I remembered my purpose as an expatriate and the responsibility I carried for younger female engineers, like my mentee at the time, Chinwe, who looked up to me back home. I drew strength from the wisdom of my mentor, Madam UB, and the unwavering support of my first Nigerian manager, Aboyi. For me, failure was simply not an option. Through the biting cold and relentless snow, I persevered, pushed boundaries, and excelled. In the end, every challenge was worth it.

But the hardest part wasn’t the weather; it was the silence. I couldn’t tell anyone at work about my struggles. In the high-pressure service company culture, showing vulnerability felt like a risk I couldn’t take. I also couldn’t talk to my family about it—back then in Nigeria, mental health issues like anxiety and depression were taboo. Even saying you were struggling could bring stigma.

The only person I confided in was a Catholic priest, Fr. Keith, who encouraged me to join the African church community. That advice became a turning point.

The Power of Community
In my African church, I found a supportive community that became my anchor. It wasn’t just spiritual support—it was a sense of belonging. That safe space helped me heal, regain my confidence, and rebuild myself.

As I grew stronger, got married, and started a family, I noticed a gap that weighed heavily on my heart. Many children and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK lacked the kind of support system that many of us take for granted. Without extended families, cousins, or grandparents to visit during the holidays, they were often left feeling lonely and isolated. Many spent their time at home unsupervised, exposed to online dangers, or silently battling mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Some even faced the risk of suicide—an issue that became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finding My Purpose
I persevered, overcoming the challenges of adjusting to the culture, environment, and offshore work, I learned that tenacity and patience could transform even the hardest experiences into opportunities. Despite the struggles, I thrived in my career and eventually became an Engineering Manager. It’s here that I recognised my deeper calling—not just to advance in my career, but to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged, particularly the youth of Africa.
With FACEYOUTH, I am determined to pass on the opportunity I had, to show young African talents that they too can reach their full potential.
It all began when I co-founded a charity to support underprivileged young girls in STEM. Despite the setbacks and discouragement from those around me, I knew I had a duty to change the narrative. But I didn’t want to rely on others; I wanted to lead by example, and so I self-funded the start-up of the charity.
My journey wasn’t just about overcoming personal struggles; it was about finding my purpose. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an engineer, but it wasn’t just the title I sought—it was the opportunity to inspire others, to empower them to dream big. FACEYOUTH was born from the desire to help disadvantaged youth tap into their potential through education, vocational training, and emotional well-being. But what motivated me most was witnessing firsthand how systemic barriers and lack of access to opportunities stifle creativity, talent, and hope.
FACEYOUTH isn’t just a charity; it’s a lifeline. Through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, mental health support, and community events, we’re working to bridge the gaps and provide a sense of belonging for the next generation.

At FACEYOUTH, we provide children with the basic foundation they need, education, mental health support, and the chance to learn vocational skills that will empower them to become change-makers in their communities. We aim to create an environment where African youth can thrive, build resilience, and realise their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.

My personal story is not one of rags to riches, but a testament to the fact that resilience, integrity, and a vision to help others can change lives. My experiences in the UK, in the oilfields, and in life have shaped my purpose and deepened my commitment to making a difference. This is my mission: to show young people that their dreams are valid, that they can rise above the challenges they face, and that they can achieve greatness—just as I have.

Looking Ahead

My personal challenges have shaped my purpose and deepened my commitment to building a world where no young person feels alone. A world free of discrimination and poverty, where every child, regardless of background has equal opportunities to thrive, excel, and reach their full potential. Every child deserves a safe space to grow and dream.

At FACEYOUTH, we are working every day to make that a reality—and it’s a journey I’m so proud to be on.

We must believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive. We empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This is my dream, and I invite you to join me on this journey to make it a reality.

Ify Anyaegbu Engineering Manager | Founder, FACEYOUTH SCIO www.faceyouth.org

To be continued…… My Oilfield African Story © Ify Anyaegbu copy right reserved 2024.