“Ashesi is addressing the need for a critical mass of well-rounded, socially-conscious and ethical leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. Ashesi graduates leave eager to make a mark and tackle challenges facing the continent, secure in the knowledge that they have the education to be successful and a growing network of like-minded individuals to back them up.” – Patrick Ngatchou, 2015 Annual Trip Participant
How did you become connected to Ashesi?
The first time I heard of Ashesi University was at a talk by Patrick Awuah in Seattle about 10 years ago. I attended with my wife who, like myself, is from Cameroon and came to the US for higher education and eventually settled here. Patrick’s vision for an Africa-based liberal arts institution providing world-class education with a focus on ethical leadership struck a chord with us as we viscerally understand the need for sound, ethical and socially-conscious leadership in Africa. We’ve been following Ashesi’s progress and successes with great interest ever since.
I ended up on the Annual Trip almost on a whim: I learned of it from a colleague as we were preparing a business trip to Nigeria around the same time. With strong and unequivocal encouragement from my wife (“go, or else…”), I decided at the last minute to register for the weekend trip. A decision I’m glad I made.
What was the highlight of the Annual Trip for you?
There were several highlights to the trip from touring the university, interacting with fellow visitors and faculty to visiting Accra and surroundings. The favorite parts for me were the interactions with the students both in and out of the classroom. The culture of excellence and high regards for ethical behavior was evident in their thoughts and actions. I still remember when a student, in a participatory class on real-world ethical conflicts, stated that it was “cool to do the right thing, especially when it’s hard”. As an engineer, I also thoroughly enjoyed touring the engineering building and seeing the different student demos and projects.
I actually have been recommending the trip to others and am aiming to return there myself.
What thoughts ran through your mind during the ceremony for the engineering program launch?
To be a witness to the vision and efforts by a few are having an impact on the many was simultaneously humbling and inspiring. I could see myself in some of the students, related with their ambitions and what the university aims to achieve. Many a times, I found myself thinking I wished such an institution existed at the time I left the continent to pursue higher education overseas. I left determined to spread the word about Ashesi and find ways to continue to support it.
As a side note, the ceremony itself was fantastic: Seeing the respect of traditions featuring the Berekuso elders, the keynote by Bobby Satcher (NASA astronaut) and especially the powerful poem (presented by an Ashesi student) is still resonating with me.
Having been to campus, how would you now describe Ashesi to others?
Physically, the campus is a beautiful reflection of Ashesi’s mission: A space conducive to learning and exchange, authentic in its respect for the environment and with architectural and decorative elements honoring local tradition and culture. It is evident that a lot of thought was put in the design and layout of the campus: the facilities are world-class, environmentally-conscious and fully accessible: Nathalie, one of the faculty who was wheelchair-bound, told me she was able to freely navigate throughout the campus.
Another striking aspect is the diversity on campus: From staff to students, Ashesi is truly diverse with people hailing from all corners of Africa (and some from beyond). There are as many female as male students, consistent with Ashesi’s goal of achieving equal gender representation.
Overall, the campus, by its physical and the culture within the walls, has an effect not only on the people who dwell there, but also on the visitors.
In your opinion, what is the important work that Ashesi does?
Ashesi is addressing the need for a critical mass of well-rounded, socially-conscious and ethical leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. Ashesi graduates leave eager to make a mark and tackle challenges facing the continent, secure in the knowledge that they have the education to be successful and a growing network of like-minded individuals to back them up.
Ashesi is also an inspiring example of how to slow down or revert Africa’s brain drain. Its existence sends a signal that resonates far beyond Ghana and Africa. I’m sure in years to come, there will be talk of an “Ashesi effect” where individuals and organizations were inspired to emulate the behavior of the Ashesi alums, and the general culture championed by the university.
Interested in joining our 8th Annual Trip to Ghana, September 11-18, 2016? For more information or to reserve your place for 2016, please contact: foundation@ashesi.org.
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