Ashinaga Uganda Celebrates the 11th Cohort of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI)

Ashinaga Uganda recently organized an opening ceremony for the 11th cohort of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Study camp. The event in Uganda marked the beginning of an exciting journey for the new AAI Candidates, officially kick-starting their preparation year.

The day commenced with opening remarks by Christine Nalubowa, the Ashinaga Uganda Co-director, who invited the AAI Candidates to reflect on the importance of this milestone in their journeys, encouraging them to take full advantage of the opportunities and resources available to them, be brave with their choices, and seek community.

His Excellency Sasayama Takuya, Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, followed with a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of education and cultural exchange between Japan and African countries. Mr. Inoue Yoichi, the JICA Chief Representative, and President Tamai Yoshiomi from Ashinaga’s headquarters delivered speeches, further inspiring the attendees with their unwavering encouragement and support.

The new AAI candidates have the invaluable opportunity to learn from the experience of AAI Alumni Patience who co, who completed her undergraduate in Japan and returned to Uganda to set up her business. Patience delivered an inspiring speech, offering invaluable advice to the new candidates:

1. Know your why

2. Believe in yourself and trust your abilities

3. Link your passion to your skillset

4. Do not wait till you graduate to start projects or initiatives

5. Think about your future carefully; pick a degree that aligns with your ambitions and interests and the contribution you want to bring to the world

6. Utilise the career and development team

7. Get a mentor who will help to guide you

8. Build your network and connect with as many people as possible

9. Be resilient and power through the challenges you will face throughout your time

 

The AAI Candidates shared their enthusiasm and aspirations for the preparation year. ‘’I would like to get outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself to learn new things and connect with everyone around me,’’ shared one of the Candidates.  Joseph from Ghana also expressed his enthusiasm about learning Japanese, sharing that ‘’the study camp marks the beginning of a promising and life-changing adventure with Ashinaga.’’

The opening ceremony was a resounding success, filled with motivation, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of community. It set a hopeful tone for the preparation year of the 11th cohort of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative, who are eager to step into their leadership paths.