History

     During the summer of 2007, I spent almost three months in Gambia, West Africa. I was a part of a team representing Operation Crossroads Africa, a program established in 1958 by Dr. James H. Robinson. “OCA” was designed to encourage North Americans to live and work at the grassroots level to understand the African Diaspora. Specifically, the 2007 Gambia team’s mission was to complete the construction of a library in the village of Jambanjelly (population 8,000)

Development

     My experience that summer not only provided me familiarity with Gambian culture, but it also allowed me to develop friendships with the locals I was living and working with. I realized that many of my friends did not do well in school or did not strive to learn more at a higher level. In their eyes, more time devoted to education meant less time to work and make money for the family. I also discovered the University of Gambia, an institution that was established only recently. Thus, I decided to create a merit and institutionally based scholarship that would be an incentive for many Gambian students, especially in the village of Jambanjelly, to pursue higher education.

I have partnered with Develop Africa which already has an existing scholarship program - the Promise of Hope Scholarship.  Develop Africa, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental (NGO) organization founded with the aim of facilitating meaningful and sustainable development in Africa. This scholarship program provides assistance for tuition and additional fees to youths. Read more about Develop Africa the organization here."

What Your Donations Do

50% of your donations will spent for tuition, transportation, and study costs for a student at the University of Gambia.
50% of your donations will also be spent for the Promise of Hope Scholarship, a program by Develop Africa that provides educational scholarships for students in countries throughout the African continent.

Projected Spending for a Scholarship at the University of Gambia

Transportation Cost For One Academic Year
D1,200/month X 10 months = D12,000 = $543.00 USD

Residential Cost For One Academic Year
D400/month X 12 months = D4,800 = $214.00 USD

Tuition Cost for One Academic Year
Non-Science --------------------- D15,400 = $685.00 USD
Science-Based ----------------- D17,600 = $783.00 USD
Medicine -------------------------- D19,800 = $881.00 USD
Computer Science ------------- D19,800 = $881.00 USD
Law -------------------------------- D22,000 = $979.00 USD