Support Talented Young African Leaders in Uganda

Liberty is an Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Candidate from Zimbabwe who just completed the preparation year for the AAI in Uganda , where Candidates from across the African continent undergo a training to foster their leadership skills and prepare them for their undergraduate journeys.

As the youngest of five siblings, Liberty experienced an upbringing that shaped who he is today. His mother's sudden death made him sink into depression and a long period of grief that affected his academic performance for some time. However, he found solace in poetry, a passion he had developed during high school, which allowed him to express his experiences and frustrations, providing him with a coping mechanism to navigate his difficulties.

As Liberty struggled to move on from his loss, he found comfort in writing poetry. In 2021, he co-authored a book called Tears of the Sun, which reflects Zimbabwe’s socio-political and socioeconomic state. The book contains various themes: loss, backstabbing by friends, relationships, and politics. Liberty believes that his passion for poetry has helped him recover significantly, and he continues to use it as a coping mechanism. He has found a way to channel his emotions and experiences through poetry. His ability to write has provided him with a means of coping and allowed him to share his experiences with others.

As a published author at the young age of 23, Liberty serves as an inspiration to those facing similar challenges. His story shows that it is possible to find hope and meaning in the face of loss, and that creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Liberty persevered and applied to the AAI program. The opportunity to learn new skills and study abroad in Europe, the UK, the US, or Japan was a significant motivating factor for the interviewee. The application process was rigorous but paid off when he was accepted into the program.

The preparation year for the AAI program in Uganda has been an invaluable experience for Liberty. Living in a multicultural environment with people worldwide has helped him appreciate different cultures and foods. He has also gained valuable skills through taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, which has improved his English-speaking ability.

The AAI has played a significant role in helping Liberty pursue his dreams. The program has given him access to experienced mentors, academic support, and a community of like-minded individuals who share their passion for the development of Africa. The AAI program has also allowed him to expand his horizons and learn about different cultures during his time in Uganda. By living and studying alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, he has gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings to the table.

As Liberty continues his journey in the AAI program, he remains committed to becoming a great diplomat. He is determined to use his skills and knowledge to positively impact his community and beyond. He is confident that the AAI program will equip him with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in his future endeavors. As the first person in his family to pursue higher education, Liberty has achieved something that is not just his own, but also a source of pride and inspiration for his entire family. With the support of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative and its generous donors and supporters, Liberty can make his dream of becoming a diplomat a reality and study at the University of York in the UK.

Links:

• Activity reports of AAI
• Meet the Scholars