Give the Gift of Education: Sponsor a Child Zambia

It has been an amazing journey as I was waiting for dates to draw closer for my trip to Ghana and attend the Yale Young African Scholars program (YYAS). It was once said by Leo Tzu that “the journey of a thousand mile begins with one step.” As I was leaving home arrived at the Kenneth Kaunda International airport, I was excited not only because it was my first official trip out of my home country, but my life was also about to make the greatest opportunity, first time in an airplane . An opportunity, full of amazing and wonderful people, gave me a life-changing experience that was yet to stay. Interestingly, every single day brought an amazing life lesson, gained either from the faculties and peers. Being in a mixture of about 100 plus students from different countries was beyond charming to explore. YYAS was not just an ordinary academic and leadership program, but a program that vividly exposes Africa's next breed of change leaders to opportunities around the globe. Participating in YYAS challenges a person to grow in almost all sectors of leadership, personal and academic experiences.

Sometimes we think we are the best among our peers until we happen to be placed among others who are as brilliant as we are, or sometimes more than we anticipate of them. Then, we become compelled to leave our comfort zone in order to have our ideas challenged so we can learn and grow. It felt amazing attending different workshops and discussion sessions with my fellow young Africans, who brought different experiences even beyond my imagination.

Academically, YYAS was very impactful. I had to do more research and watch my arguments as my surroundings were filled with brilliant minds who were always willing to challenge my ideas. YYAS has different aspects, like University guidance (learning how to apply to schools abroad), seminars, workshops, SAT Preparation, and meeting with different admission officers from top ranking universities around the world.

Some of those activities were not as ordinary as they may sound. These were activities that gave us insight into real-world lessons, and one of the most fascinating activities were the enrichment activities, which was done mostly in the forms of games. These activities taught me important lessons that I have always referenced, no matter the time or place. These activities sent different valuable messages that impacted my life by changing my mindset about my own country and the entire continent of Africa.

Meeting world -renowned, professors with a common passion of enlightening the minds of young Africans towards becoming change makers and social transformers. Having the opportunity to meet those people has contributed to my perspective about the world of the 21st century.

I was a proud representation of my country and my family especially my mother and sisters. I could see the joy of been proud on my mother’s face when she heard the news from my sponsors that I have been selected to be part of YYAS program in Ghana. YYAS program has really given a hope for the future that no matter the challenges and obstacles I face I will surely make it to the top as long as I continue working extra hard.

Thank you very much to all that made this a dream come true. God bless.