Spotlight: Rasifatu Yiviri, Open Dreams Program Lead in Charge of Partnerships

I was born into a family where the English language, even Pidgin, was a luxury. My parents, uneducated as they were, along with most of my siblings, did not have English as part of their repertoire. From a young age, I recognized the significance of English as a language that could open doors to opportunities. A defining moment came when I lost the opportunity to sell our kola nuts to a trader who visited my hometown of Mbiame, in search of the sought-after cash crop, simply because none of my family could communicate in English. I still vividly recall the feeling of helplessness as we watched the trader vanish into the horizon, our kola nuts unsold due to language barrier. This constituted a substantial economic disadvantage, given that traders from distant areas were known to pay higher rates than local buyers. This experience marked a turning point for me, prompting me to set my first life goal: to learn English and use it effectively. At the tender age of eight, I understood the power of language. Driven by this ambition, I chose to become an English language teacher, aspiring to empower not only my family, but also my wider community.

I came in contact with Open Dreams (OD) in November 2021 during the Instructional Technology training that OD organised in partnership with the U.S Embassy in Cameroon aimed at equipping secondary school teachers with technological pedagogical skills. This was a transformative encounter that completely altered the course of my life. It marked a significant turning point, leading me down a new path and fundamentally reshaping my career. I was utterly amazed by the exceptional manner in which the OD scholars conducted their presentations on technology. Their remarkable display of confidence, fluency in English, and adeptness in utilizing technological tools left me momentarily questioning whether I was still in Cameroon. The level of English mastery they exhibited was truly mind-blowing, leading me to ponder if I, as an English teacher, could achieve the same level of proficiency. During the training, I was introduced to U.S. exchange programs, which I subsequently applied for and was selected on my very first attempt. By the program's conclusion, one thing became abundantly clear: joining the Open Dreams Community was an urgent priority. I was privileged to join this community, which embodies a collective pursuit of success, not merely as individuals, but as a unified people.

Passion, resilience, determination, and perseverance are woven into the fabric of this community, where success is a way of life. Serving as a program facilitator at OD has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

The English language stands as a pivotal requirement for students to access quality education on a global scale. In my capacity as an English Language facilitator, I am elated to contribute to Open Dreams' mission of equalizing access to quality education.

Serving as a bridge, I connect bright, ambitious scholars to a world brimming with opportunities that have the power to transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.

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