EduNations Graduates Break Barriers: First-Generation Students Earn Scholarships to Sierra Leone's Universities

Published Wed, Oct 30, 2024
Written by Dana Kaltenberger

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Grace Scholarship Recipients

 

Several graduates from EduNations' Senior Secondary Schools have reached an inspiring milestone: they have been awarded scholarships to attend colleges and universities in Sierra Leone. For most, this opportunity marks the first time anyone in their families has pursued higher education. Coming from backgrounds where their parents had no formal schooling, these young pioneers are not only the first to graduate high school but are now on the path to earning university degrees.

This breakthrough is a testament to EduNations' commitment to providing education in some of the most underserved communities in Sierra Leone. These scholarships not only reflect the students’ academic dedication but also recognize the life-changing potential of education for these families. For many of them, this opportunity will break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for a brighter future.

The scholarships awarded fall into five categories, each providing a vital bridge to higher education:

1. Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) Scholarships
   Awarded to the top-performing students in their class, these scholarships support students pursuing degrees in fields such as nursing, engineering, and microbiology, encouraging them to excel in scientific and technical disciplines.

2. EduNations Sponsor Scholarships
   These scholarships are directly funded by generous donors to EduNations, allowing students to pursue studies in fields like medical sciences and engineering. They offer financial relief and recognize students with a strong commitment to their studies.

3. Grace Scholarships
   Named in honor of a generous benefactor, these scholarships are awarded to the top achievers and enable students to pursue degrees in nursing, social work, and medicine, empowering future leaders in health and social sectors.

4. Scholarships from Mexico
   These scholarships provide international collaboration and opportunities, helping students pursue careers in medicine, further broadening the scope of their education.

5. Yayo Weaver Scholarships
   Like the EBKUST and Grace scholarships, the Yayo Weaver Scholarships are awarded to the top-performing students in their class. These scholarships focus on social work, mechanical engineering, gender studies, and medical sciences, supporting students in fields critical to Sierra Leone’s development.

Ernest Bai Koroma University Scholarship Recipients

List of Scholarship Recipients and Their Fields of Study

NAME	SCHOLARSHIP NAME	COURSE OF STUDY
Mohamed K. Kamara	EBKUST	BSc. Nursing
Fatmata Kamara	EBKUST	BSc. Nursing
Mohamed Y. Kamara	EBKUST	Mining Engineering
Abdul Joe Kamara	EBKUST	BSc. Microbiology and Immunology
Esther Adama Kanu	EBKUST	BSc. Nursing
Muna Sasso	EduNations Sponsorship	Basic Medical Sciences Anatomy
Isata Kamara	EduNations Sponsorship	Mining Engineering
Colossians Kamara	EduNations Sponsorship	BSc. Microbiology and Immunology
Alpha B. Conteh	Grace	BSc. Nursing
Abass Daniel Fullah	Grace	BSc. Medicine / BSc. Nursing
Fatmata I. Bangura	Grace	BSc. Nursing
Isatu M. Koroma	Grace	BSc. Nursing
Noffie Kamara	Grace	BSc. Nursing
Sama B. Koroma	Grace	BSc. Social Work
Isatu Kallon	Grace	BA. Human Resource Management
Yollah Bangura	Mexican Scholarship	BSc. Medicine
Rugiatu Kamara	Yayo Weaver	BSc. Social Work
Aminata Kamara	Grace	BSc. Nursing
Umaro Forfanah	Yayo Weaver	Mechanical Engineering
Zoe Sia Noah Kaitombor	Yayo Weaver	BA. Gender & Development Studies
Samuel BS Koroma	Yayo Weaver	Basic Medical Sciences Anatomy

These scholarships alleviate the financial burden that many of these students would have faced. Without this assistance, many would have had to take on multiple menial jobs to fund their education, which could have hindered their academic progress. Now, with financial relief, they can focus entirely on their studies and strive for academic excellence.

Quotes from Scholarship Recipients

Abass Daniel Fullah, a recipient of the Grace Scholarship, expressed his deep gratitude:

"I am very grateful for the financial contribution you have made in support of my education. Without your help, I may never have been able to further my studies. Your generosity and concern have been an inspiration to me. This kind gesture is highly appreciated and will be put to good use. I want to express my sincere thanks to this donor for providing this generous gift to me. Again, thank you for your encouragement and financial support, and may the good Lord continue to bless you and your family."

Muna Sasso, who received an EduNations Sponsorship, also shared her appreciation:

"Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. This scholarship is an immense blessing to me and my family. I'm very grateful indeed. It has helped me greatly in terms of financial support. I want to say thank you to our sponsor and to all those that provided financially. I appreciate your generosity and promise to use this gift in a way that will support my studies. Thank you."

The Transformational Impact

For these students, education is a lifeline. It offers them the ability to change the trajectory of their lives and their communities. With the support of these scholarships, EduNations has not only made higher education accessible but has also helped foster a culture of academic achievement and excellence in Sierra Leone.

This is a reminder of the powerful change that education can bring. With the support of donors and partners, EduNations continues to unlock potential and open doors for students who, against the odds, are striving for a better tomorrow.

 

Yayo Weaver Scholarship Recipients