During my final year of residency I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend and colleague, Dr. Naffie Ceesay, for an unforgettable mission trip to Gambia. We spent our days seeing patients of the local communities for a variety of ailments and setting up health clinics at the Fajikunda Health Center and Bansang Hospital. The work was invigorating as healthcare professionals, as well as culturally enriching. I have enjoyed cultivating kinship with the local health professionals that are working day in and day out alongside us for the betterment of the community.

My grandmother, who contributed to who I am today, is the reason I volunteer. She suffered from the poor health system of Gambia. Her passing has been my motivation and the reason I went to nursing school. There is no better feeling than giving back to the people in need of our services.

For three years I have been an auxiliary nurse volunteer at Fajikunda Health Center. I had never had a thought of having an opportunity to attend a university, especially private school at American International University West Africa (AIUWA). But this life cheering up opportunity had made a great impact in my life, and now I'm working towards getting good grades at school, getting a good job, helping my family and helping people around me who may need my services. I am also looking forward to making a difference and impact in the life of others. Thanks!

This sponsorship really changed my life. You guys change all the sufferings I was going through. Most importantly, you saved me from early marriage, made me a responsible person in society. I am gaining the knowledge to save lives through pharmacology. This educational experience has made me bold and confident. I have a bright future now. I'm so grateful for everything.