Help Modou go to University of The Gambia
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Kathleen Jackson writes:
Modou Sambou, a teacher posted in my community’s school (Medina Sering Mass Lower Basic/Senior Secondary School) is one of my counterparts. He has been teaching English Literature for three years, is incredibly kind and thoughtful, and is a leader among a staff of mostly-younger teachers. I am a Peace Corps Volunteer and have lived in The Gambia for nearly two years. Throughout my service, Mr. Sambou and I collaborated on a variety of projects: facilitating Peer Health Club lessons together when I initially moved to site; attending a Peace Corps Gender & Development (GAD) workshop in the capital city; and planning and facilitating a subsequent gender training at our school after returning from the GAD workshop. |
What initially impressed me about Mr. Sambou – and why I chose to work with him – was his work ethic, his desire to learn, and the good rapport he holds among other teachers.
Throughout this past year, Mr. Sambou’s desire to earn an undergraduate degree has been a consistent conversation topic, and something with which he continually pursued without success. Many of the teachers at my school talk about wanting to pursue higher education or a different career path, often saying how they wish they could pursue these things abroad; however, Mr. Sambou is the only individual who has actively sought out higher education in The Gambia, with a desire to stay and work in The Gambia.
At the end of last school year Mr. Sambou made it clear that he would not be returning to teach in the fall – pending his ability to obtain assistance with tuition – and I expected we may not work together anymore. Over the summer I learned about Gambia Rising through the East to West Coast Run (I participated in one of the sections) and, after learning that Mr. Sambou did not receive financial assistance, I committed to helping him apply for a scholarship through the organization.
We made this decision before the recent death of his father, which now leaves his financial situation more dire. Mr. Sambou’s father supported his prior educational pursuits and Mr. Sambou was hoping that his father would also contribute to his university education. The passing of his father, however, means that this financial assistance is no longer an option. Furthermore, as the oldest son, Mr. Sambou now feels an extra burden of responsibility for his mother and his younger siblings’ educations.
I believe that he is committed to earning a bachelor’s degree and then pursuing a career that will allow him to better his life as well as the lives of his family members.
Throughout this past year, Mr. Sambou’s desire to earn an undergraduate degree has been a consistent conversation topic, and something with which he continually pursued without success. Many of the teachers at my school talk about wanting to pursue higher education or a different career path, often saying how they wish they could pursue these things abroad; however, Mr. Sambou is the only individual who has actively sought out higher education in The Gambia, with a desire to stay and work in The Gambia.
At the end of last school year Mr. Sambou made it clear that he would not be returning to teach in the fall – pending his ability to obtain assistance with tuition – and I expected we may not work together anymore. Over the summer I learned about Gambia Rising through the East to West Coast Run (I participated in one of the sections) and, after learning that Mr. Sambou did not receive financial assistance, I committed to helping him apply for a scholarship through the organization.
We made this decision before the recent death of his father, which now leaves his financial situation more dire. Mr. Sambou’s father supported his prior educational pursuits and Mr. Sambou was hoping that his father would also contribute to his university education. The passing of his father, however, means that this financial assistance is no longer an option. Furthermore, as the oldest son, Mr. Sambou now feels an extra burden of responsibility for his mother and his younger siblings’ educations.
I believe that he is committed to earning a bachelor’s degree and then pursuing a career that will allow him to better his life as well as the lives of his family members.