International Day of Education profile: Safari Etien, BA. International Relations
By Safari Etien
Education is the foundation of progress and empowerment in any community. As Benjamin Franklin aptly said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” I am a final-year student of International Relations specializing in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at USIU-Africa. My journey as a student and my role as a leader have profoundly shaped my understanding of the transformative power of education and my commitment to giving back to my community.
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact education has on individuals and communities. Education eradicates ignorance, breaks the chains of poverty, and challenges radical practices that often hinder societal growth. It creates self-sustainable citizens equipped with critical thinking skills, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In my journey, I have seen education as the beacon that lights the way toward a better future. It is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about creating opportunities and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.
My educational journey has been deeply influenced by the support and mentorship I received along the way. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, I am acutely aware of the value of giving back. Helping others brings immense satisfaction and fulfills my responsibility as a global citizen. My high school experiences, where the kindness and guidance of others helped me navigate challenging times, taught me the importance of paying it forward. As John Dewey said, “Education is life itself.” To give back is to breathe life into others’ aspirations, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and growth. It was this aspiration to give back to my communities that led me to implement a give back project in Uganda.
In 2024, I led a project in Kyangwali, Uganda, at COBURWAS Secondary School. The project aimed to address critical gaps in education within the community, including limited mentorship opportunities, insufficient textbooks, inadequate furniture in schools, and the absence of a public library. These challenges hindered students from achieving their potential and deprived the community of a robust academic support system.
The inspiration for this initiative stemmed from my own experiences and observations. I realized that many students lacked guidance on academic and career paths, which often left them struggling to make informed decisions. The absence of adequate resources, such as textbooks and furniture, further compounded the problem. Recognizing these issues, my colleagues and I decided to create a sustainable solution that would address these gaps and empower students to excel.
The project at COBURWAS Secondary School was not just a personal endeavor but a collaborative effort. Together with my colleagues, we secured funding from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa and utilized it to establish a public library equipped with books, chairs, and tables. Additionally, we provided mentorship to secondary school students, guiding them on academic and career choices. This initiative was a testament to the power of teamwork and the impact of collective efforts in driving positive change.
Our project has so far impacted over 2,000 students and community members. One of the most memorable success stories involves a group of students who, through our mentorship program, secured scholarships to pursue higher education. The availability of a well-equipped library has also significantly improved academic performance, as students now have access to essential textbooks and a conducive environment for reading and revision. The smiles on their faces and the gratitude they expressed are testaments to the transformative power of our efforts.
Leading this project was a transformative experience for me as a leader. It honed my organizational skills, improved my communication abilities, and taught me the importance of collaboration. Writing project proposals, coordinating with team members, and engaging stakeholders were invaluable lessons that will stay with me throughout my life. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa played a key role in this journey by providing funding, mentorship, and connections with its network of partners. These resources enabled us to turn our vision into reality and make a tangible impact on the lives of many.
Looking ahead, my vision is to expand the community library to reach an even larger audience. By increasing access to books and educational resources, I aim to encourage more children to stay in school and reduce dropout rates. I also hope to partner with other organizations focused on education to amplify our impact and address broader systemic challenges.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson beautifully put it, “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” My ultimate goal is to create a community that is interconnected, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another both academically and socially. Education should not be a privilege for the few but a right for all, and I am committed to playing my part in making this vision a reality.