March 30 - April 3, 2016 - On Wednesday 30th March 2016, four of Ashesi’s MasterCard Foundation Scholars left for San Francisco to attend the two-day prestigious Clinton Global Initiative University that was held at University of California Berkeley. The Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) was launched by former president of the United States, Bill Clinton in 2007 to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world. Each year, CGI U hosts a meeting where students, university representatives, topic experts, and celebrities come together to discuss and develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. During this process, students create their own ‘Commitments to Action’ that address issues on campus, in local communities, or around the world.
This is the first time that students from Ashesi have been selected to attend this esteemed conference. Rahab Wangari ’16, Reshma Mawji ’17, Sabelo Dube ’18 and Genesis Nchopereu ’19, were hand-picked by the Clinton Global Initiative University and The MasterCard Foundation to represent their Commitments to Action and to learn from and share knowledge through these commitments.
When asked about their experiences, this is what the participants had to say:
“The CGIU conference gave me a chance to view problem-solving from a different angle looking at the different commitments other students were involved in.” said Rahab Wangari ’16.
“We were in the midst of the smartest, most influential, driven and committed people I had ever met; the interactions with these people were the highlight of my trip, and I cannot be more grateful for this opportunity,” said Reshma Mawji ’17.
“The people we met; the commitment mentors, advisors and other students like us were all brilliant and most of their projects inspiring as well. The entire experience reminded me that at whatever point in our lives we all are, we are already change makers,” emphasized Sabelo Dube ’18.
“I got to make connections that will not only last a lifetime, but also help me in garnering support towards my commitment and future endeavours. I’m grateful to all of those who contributed in one way or another in making this happen,” said Genesis Nchopereu ’19.
