Enabling Communities: Mohamed’s Journey from Sierra Leone to UK and Back

Mohamed, from Sierra Leone, is an Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Scholar studying Economics and Finance at the University of York in the UK. His dream is to support communities and economic growth by encouraging more businesses in his community. Mohamed has put his passion into action by starting a community project in his home village. He says, ‘I believe that educating a child is like educating a nation.’

 

In 2022, Mohamed was able to source solar panels to help supply around 80% of his village with electricity. This has significantly impacted the village as community members previously had to travel several hours to access electricity and even charge their phones.

 

Since then, he has been able to expand his charitable program to support 47 children through schooling and employ two individuals to run the project. Mohamed has been able to purchase learning materials for the children to aid their learning and hopes to expand his program further to make as much of an impact as possible. In addition to the above activities, his project supports seven youths with access to entrepreneurship and technical skills training and supports three university students.

 

Mohamed’s mission is driven by the recognition of the immense potential of Sierra Leone, juxtaposed with the significant challenges it faces. His community, in particular, grapples with the lack of access to basic necessities such as electricity, food security, climatic solutions, leadership development, formal education, and entrepreneurship education. It is this pressing need that fuels his determination to empower and uplift these individuals, paving the way for a brighter future.