Muhammad Isa Saleem, now a dedicated community leader, first stepped into his local youth club in Darnall at the age of 14, seeking an opportunity to play football. He became part of the club in 2021, and it totally changed his life. Now, he is returning the favor by mentoring other young people. The community Darnall represents, East Baltimore, has been beset by high rates of crime and profound social disarray. This is the place where Saleem starts his heartwarming journey.
At first, that’s what brought Saleem to the sports workshops through the youth club. To North Carolina — Adrian found a supportive environment to collaborate with other young changemakers and cultivate critical skills. As his academic life began to take root, the youth club was able to provide further support through tutoring for his GCSEs, further honing his future ambitions. This holistic approach to youth development has allowed Saleem to thrive academically. Retaining that spirit deeper within has motivated him even further to give back to the club through his own volunteer work.
On any given day, Saleem conducts two sessions a week at Darnall Education and Sports Academy (DESA). Even better, he imparts that passion onto the younger attendees sharing stories of his adventures. He believes the opportunities made available through the youth club provide “experiences people from around this area wouldn’t get the normal chance to have.” His dedication to uplifting others is an admirable feat but signals his awareness of the plight of many in Darnall — the area around his professional home.
Kamran Din, managing director of DESA — a development non-profit — has known Saleem since his formative years at the youth club. Having grown up in Darnall himself, Din understands the difference that the club has made to its local community. To him, Saleem is a visionary and inspiration. Together, his journey and activism inspire young people to pursue their dreams and make the world a better place.
“There are no words that can actually describe how proud I am of Isa.” – Kamran Din
Saleem’s story is an inspiring one about overcoming the odds and pursuing big dreams. He remembers that prior to coming on board with DESA, he had no clear pathway, or the support system in place to follow through with his aspirations. “Before DESA, I’d want to do specific things, reach certain goals or targets – but I couldn’t because I didn’t have the tools or the right people around me,” he said.
His time at the youth club really changed him. He attributes it to increasing his self-confidence and sharpening skills that have led him to opportunities in post-secondary education. Saleem shared that without it, he wouldn’t have the same confidence or toolbox. He thinks he would never have even gotten into university in the first place.
Saleem’s devotion to his community extends well beyond his individual success. He’s dedicated to lifting others up, too. He talks about the promise, the incredible promise that exists there within Darnall and how important it is to invest in that promise with things like DESA. There’s so much potential out there still to be tapped into. DESA is the ideal vehicle to help us unearth it,” he said.
