SMITH COLLEGE CLASS OF 2029 and ASHINAGA SCHOLAR | Eliel Toukam Nkamta

Do you believe one word can change your mind completely? 

For me, it was SCHOLARSHIP. 

In 2018, in a discussion with my mother, she explained the way scholarships helped one access a world-class education. From then onwards, I became motivated to pursue one even without fully understanding. All I knew was I was supposed to aim high. 

Many say they love surprises, but the surprises of life are really not always lovely.

I lost my mother, my motivation the year later, and I had to assume household roles at a young age while caring for my younger sibling. It was difficult to balance at times, but I did it. 

Later, in form 5, I had a leg injury which kept me out of school for over 3 months. I still remember those moments where I cried because I felt like this was a hold on my scholarship dream. I did not want to surrender, so I studied harder. Those nights in the hospital where I woke up to read still remain etched in my memory. I finally went back to school 1 month before the O-level exams, earning the results I hoped for. 

I heard about Open Dreams in 2022 from a friend, Kwashini Tagha (an Open Dreams scholar), and the students they helped. I felt like I found a community that understood my aspirations. I was more confident of my dreams, especially since my town, Bamenda is in crisis, and we always went to school in fear. 

I got my first scholarship in 2023 when I joined the UREGA Foundation, where I was sponsored through Upper Sixth. Thanks to people like Ngolefac Emmanuel from UREGA, I always got support when I needed it. I then attended the Open Dreams Summer Academy in 2023.

In 2024, I got into the Ashinaga African Initiative with guidance from Open Dreams, especially Afungfege Évita and Serena Axelle (Ashinaga Scholar 2023)

This community pulls one another as they go higher. 

Now, I have started my undergraduate studies at Smith College. 

I give thanks to  

Akaba James 

Dr Edie Mesumbe Borisgoden

Ngako Patricia 

Dylan Tah

Blessing Lum 

who are members of Open Dreams who helped me throughout the difficult journey of getting to where I am today. This is proof that a community like this is invaluable and united, and I am proud to be part of them.  - Eliel Toukam Nkamta | Ashinaga | Open Dreams