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Congratulations to the 2021 Graduating Cohort in the UK!

UK 2021.08.10

Graduation season is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholars’ hard work and successes, from their Preparation Year in Uganda or Senegal to studying as an Ashinaga Scholar, fully funded at top universities around the world. It is also a chance for these young leaders to reflect on their time as AAI Scholars and on their academic, personal, and professional development. The 2021 graduating cohort is the UK offices’ largest yet!  

Most Ashinaga UK Scholars won’t have in-person graduation ceremonies this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some of Ashinaga UK’s younger Scholars kindly organized an online event to celebrate all eight Scholars graduating from UK universities. Scholars exchanged encouraging messages, sending the Graduates off with well-wishes during what has become an annual Ashinaga UK Graduation Ceremony. 

This year Ashinaga UK has eight Scholars from five sub-Saharan African countries, including Benin and the Ivory Coast, graduating from seven UK universities! 

Some Graduates shared a few words about their time on the Ashinaga Africa Initiative: 
Manjeeta, from Mauritius, graduating from Imperial College London in Chemical Engineering said, “AAI has enabled me to flourish both personally and professionally. I would not have been able to attend one of the best universities in the world if it wasn’t for the AAI. I have also learned and strengthened leadership skills which will be helpful for my future career whilst building my professional network.” Manjeeta is planning on implementing a project focused on inspiring young people in sub-Saharan Africa to pursue STEM careers. 

Paddy, from Uganda, graduating in Accounting and Finance from the University of Strathclyde says, “AAI has offered me the platform to engage with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and create strong relationships. The strong support systems in place have contributed to my achievements both within and outside of university”. Paddy, an Accounting and Finance graduate from the University has been working on a project to empower low-income businesspeople in Uganda through microfinance. 

Cherno, who is working on various projects including one supporting widowed women to generate income in The Gambia, where he hails from, says “throughout this journey, I’ve made more valuable connections than I would’ve ever imagined.” Cherno is graduating from the University of Manchester in Biomedical Sciences. 

We are so proud of all the AAI Graduates in the UK and are excited to see the significant impact they will make in communities across sub-Saharan Africa. The Ashinaga journey doesn’t end now for these Graduates, who have ongoing access to support, networks, and mentorship from our Graduates and Alumni Team as they take the next step to implementing positive change in sub-Saharan Africa.  

Congratulations to the UK offices’ graduating cohort of 2021! 

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