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Why It Matters

by | Mon 6 Dec 2010

A few days ago *Phill Whiteside* dropped me a note to let me know about a great example of the Ubuntu ethos alive and working. I just wanted to share it here

[Manuèla Popping](https://wiki.ubuntu.com/hajour) is based in Ureterp, the Netherlands. Phill has been mentoring Manuèla and her contributions to Ubuntu, and she has been contributing to the [Ubuntu Accessibility](https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Accessibility) and [Ubuntu Women teams](https://ubuntu-women.org/).

What I found particularly touching about this story was a poem that Manuèla wrote about her experience of joining the Ubuntu community:

> I came in a community named Ubuntu.
> Unsure if I was good enough to help with anything
> Not really knowing where I ended up.
> There came a blanket of warmth and cordiality to me.
> Caring, social and tolerancity.
> I did not know what came over me
> It was like i was coming home after a long journey
> And warmly was received by family.

Reading this put a huge smile on face. It is exactly this sense of warmth and kindness that I am keen for us to foster in the Ubuntu community; a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and empowered to be successful. Thanks Phill for the note, and thanks Manuèla for the poem! 🙂

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