Rahinatu Mohammed Lawal is from a large family in Ashaiman, Ghana.  She has always done well academically, however, after studying at high school she had to
end her studies to support her family. She worked and lived in a small shop in the market because they could not afford the transportation for her to return home after work.
Last year she received ‘the most fantastic news of my life’.  She was offered a place at the African Science Academy on a full scholarship from the Cosaraf Foundation.

Rahinatu achieved A*, A* in Maths and Physics and has secured a full scholarship to study Software Engineering at African Leadership University.

"I regard my scholarship to ASA as God's direct response to my prayers. I would like to express my gratitude to the Cosaraf Foundation for supporting me financially and believing I'm worthwhile."
Rahinatu
ASA Student

Shedika comes from Tumu in the upper West region of Ghana. After high school, she desperately wanted to go to university but her parents weren’t able to afford the fees. Shedika applied to the Academy because she has always been passionate about Maths and Science. With the financial problems in her family, Shedika would not have been able to attend ASA if COSARAF Foundation had not sponsored her. At the Academy, Shedika was able to build her confidence, learning about teamwork and public speaking skills, meeting other girls from all over Africa and hearing from amazing guest speakers and mentors. Worked hard, Shedika was able to achieve an A, B and C in A Level Maths, Physics and Further Maths. Shedika received at Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study at Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Ashesi University in Ghana – one of Africa’s leading universities.

"I have always wanted to be an engineer. Now, thanks to COSARAF Foundation, I am on my way to becoming one."
Shedika
ASA Student

Seiba, from Ghana, had a passion for her studies but her family’s circumstances meant that pursuing her learning would not have been possible without financial support. Gaining a place at the Academy enabled Seiba to achieve an A and two B’s in A Level Maths, Further Maths and Physics. She was also given the opportunity to meet other students from across Africa and to develop other skills such as debating, giving presentations, being creative and even how to play badminton! Seiba was offered a scholarship by the Mastercard Foundation to study at the University of Edinburgh.

I want to become an engineer and help to eradicate the electrical power issues that many African countries face, especially my homeland of Ghana. I also want to continue my volunteering and to help expand the EduSpots education centres I helped set up in my community. I think being a girl and also a Muslim girl is not always easy for most of us to consider pursuing STEM-related degrees. But having the support of organisations such as COSARAF Foundation behind me has helped me to reach my goal of becoming an Engineer.
Seiba
ASA student