Access to Education for Talented African Students

Cherno is an Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Graduate and a UK National Health Service (NHS) lab assistant. Reflecting on his AAI experience, he emphasizes, "Joining the AAI was a turning point in my life. It opened doors to knowledge and experiences, shaping my perspective and giving me a more positive outlook on the world."

Cherno joined the AAI in 2016. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, in the UK, in 2021. "Joining the AAI was truly transformative for me. Without the AAI, I wouldn't have gained the knowledge and experiences that have shaped my perspective and given me a more positive outlook on the world. The connections I've formed are invaluable, helping me refine and pursue my dreams. Being surrounded by brilliant AAI Scholars has been truly inspiring."

Cherno's commitment to community upliftment is deeply personal. Inspired by the leadership training within AAI, he turned his ambitions into action. "The training pushed me to act on my dreams, leading to a life-changing Ashinaga proposal," he shares. His project, aimed at empowering Gambian mothers economically through financial training, is a testament to this commitment. "This project is close to my heart because I witnessed my mother's struggles to send me to school," he reveals. Despite challenges, Cherno remains resolute in his mission to make a difference in The Gambia. 

Cherno is also committed to positively changing The Gambia's biomedical sector by leveraging his role at NHS. He's actively networking with other Gambians to facilitate impactful initiatives and promote biomedical studies among high school students. 

Cherno's future is filled with ambitious plans and aspirations. He is actively engaging with key institutions in The Gambia to foster future collaborations. In January, he will commence an online Advanced Biomedical Studies course at London Metropolitan University, demonstrating his commitment to staying at the forefront of his field. 

Looking ahead, Cherno is determined to give back to his community. His plan to establish an association of Gambian Medical Scientists is a testament to this. "The goal is to promote biomedical studies for more Gambian high school students, closing the gap and lack of local expertise in the field," he affirms.

Links:

• Ashinaga Foundation Official Website