THE SALIKENNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Kassamanding Kanteh, Nusrat Senior Secondary School, Grade 12, Commerce
All years are not the same. Some can be boring while others can be really exciting and leave a memorable impression in your mind. This year, being among the years that excites me most, has to say a lot about my future. It is the year that marks the end of my secondary school career and the start of a new chapter in my life. After I walk across the stage in June, everything is going to change, nothing will ever be the same.
Sometimes I have this enlightened moment where I say to myself, Wow, this is my last year in high school, I am about to graduate. And then I see myself walking the verandas of the University.
Ever since I was in primary school, my eye was always set upon being a nurse, but due to some reasons, I wasn’t able to study science. However, I now like to studyaccounting and would like to become an accountant. From the day I started studying commerce as a field, accounting has been my best subject and that passion will continue to the end.
Fatoumata Fatajo, Salikenni Upper Basic School, Grade 7, new student
I am really happy for the fact that I took first in the trial exam among my fellow girls and as well glad for being part of the Salikenni Scholarship Fund. It is a project that has helped many succeed, and it’s a pleasure to be part of the family. 2018 is quite a good year for me not only because of SSF but also it is a beginning of a new experience for me altogether.
I admire bankers and would like to be one in the future. For the fact that I enjoy playing with figures, I know that I will be comfortable in the banking sector and thus would want to choose it as my career.
Amadou Ceesay, University of The Gambia, 2nd Year, Political Science
The Salikenni Scholarship Fund is the organization that has molded up my potential and talents to be who I am today. It serves as an inspiration and keeps motivating me. It built up my career and I am glad today to be the only child of my parents going to the University of The Gambia. Going to the university is a privilege as many do not get access to it. SSF serves as my first and last resort. It gives me whatever I need as long as education is concerned.
This year is very special for me because I am getting to understand my area more as a 2nd year student, and I am getting even more prepared toward the last phase of my course. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I want to do my master’s in international relations.
My dream is to become a diplomat. This dream came to me as a result of the foreign policy of The Gambia, which in most cases does not serve its people.
Mariama Ceesay, University of The Gambia, Final Year, Medicine
The excitement I have for 2018 is huge. I am expecting to finish my 7 years’ marathon at the University. By December I will receive my license to operate as a medical doctor in The Gambia.
Even though I am not now sponsored by SSF, I still consider myself part and parcel of SSF as it was the one that stepped up for me when I needed it most. I am very grateful and proud that I am the first in the history of SSF to graduate from the medical school. Even though I am married I hope to work closely with other SSF students to help them realize their dreams in their various disciplines. I hope to work in one of the best hospitals in the world someday and be a source of inspiration to others.
Omar Bah, Salikenni Upper Basic School, Grade 7, new student
My name is Omar Bah, a new SSF student. I feel really excited this year as my dream throughout my primary school has been realized. I have worked very hard during my lower grades at school to be able find a place in SSF. Now I have got it I thank God for that. I want this program to help me to achieve my biggest dream: to become a medical doctor because I love helping sick people. I promise to work hard from now until the time that I become a doctor.
I am glad to be part of SSF, and my family is proud of me as well for this milestone.