Alagie Ndow, the founder and CEO of Inspiring Young Stars (IYS) has recently concluded a transformative three-week professional development program at the University of West of England (UWE), Bristol. As the Manager of Programs and ICT at Daughters of Africa.
Alagie’s mission has always been to empower youth, through education promote women’s leadership, and drive sustainable community development. His journey at UWE has marked a significant milestone in his professional and personal growth, equipping him with invaluable tools to enhance his impact in The Gambia and beyond.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Under the guidance of Clay Johnson, a leading expert in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and technology integration, Alagie participated in workshops focused on digital innovation, AI-driven solutions, and project management. This immersive training emphasized practical applications of technology to address organizational challenges and foster community development.
“This training has equipped me with tools to foster ICT development and implement AI-driven solutions within our programs,” Alagie noted. “my goal is to bridge the gap between technology and grassroots empowerment, ensuring sustainable growth in our communities.” he said.
The state-of-the-art facilities at UWE’s Frenchay Campus provided a collaborative environment for Alagie during his training journey to explore real-world applications of AI and digital innovation. These experiences are pivotal to Alagie’s vision of expanding ICT initiatives at Daughter of Africa and IYS, integrating modern technology into community projects, and empowering Gambian youth and women to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Imasive International Education Comparative Cultural Representation
In addition to the professional development sessions, Alagie had the opportunity to share The Gambia’s rich culture through an interactive educational session. Highlighting traditional music, storytelling, and cuisine, Alagie’s presentation offered participants a deeper understanding of Gambian heritage.
“It was incredible to see how deeply everyone connected with our traditions,” Alagie shared. “Sharing my culture was an honor and a reminder of the strength and beauty of our identity.”
Alagie’s cultural engagement activities left a profound impact on his audience, fostering a sense of global community and mutual respect. His presentation also highlighted the resilience and determination of Gambian youth, showcasing their potential to overcome challenges and achieve greatness despite limited resources.
An Impactful Professional Training Learning Experience at UWE Bristol
Under the guidance of Clay Johnson, a leading expert in ICT technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and technology integration, Alagie Ndow participated in workshops exploring AI, digital innovation, and project management.
This training emphasized practical applications of technology to address organizational development and community challenges. The training programs, development sessions, and networking opportunities at UWE’s Frenchay Campus provided invaluable insights and connections that will propel Alagie’s work forward.
“It was incredible to see how deeply everyone connected with our traditions,” Alagie said. “Sharing my culture was an honor and a reminder of the strength and beauty of our identity.”
The state-of-the-art facilities at UWE enabled Alagie and his peers to collaborate on AI-driven solutions for real-world challenges. These skills are pivotal to Alagie’s vision of expanding ICT initiatives at Inspiring Young Stars (IYS), integrating modern technology into community projects, and empowering Gambian youth and women to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“This training has equipped me with tools to foster ICT development and implement AI-driven solutions within our programs,” Alagie noted. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between technology and grassroots empowerment, ensuring sustainable growth in our communities.” he remarked.
This professional development initiative was part of the Daigo Project Partnership, an innovative collaboration between UWE and Daughters of Africa. The project aims to foster education, technology integration, and community empowerment through grassroots solutions.
An Inspiring Journey of Growth and Knowledge
“My journey at the University of the West of England (UWE) has been truly uplifting both personally and professionally. Throughout this transformative experience, I was fortunate to engage with extraordinary mentors and professionals who have profoundly shaped my understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital innovation, ICT, technology integration, and project management.
This training emphasized leveraging automated AI for sustainable development, enhancing efficiency, and driving organizational effectiveness. It has significantly enriched my professional expertise and personal growth.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Clay Johnson, my personal lead professor, lecturer, and mentor. His exceptional knowledge, guidance, and unwavering passion for teaching have been instrumental in this journey. Alongside his team of experts at the university, they ensured I received top-notch professional training.
I also extend my gratitude to Dr. Miang Ng, the UWE Lead for Global Partnerships in Social and Cultural Engagement, for coordinating the facilitation and making this journey possible. A special thanks to the UWE management team for their commitment to the UWE 2030 Strategy. Their efforts in fostering educational partnerships across Africa have created a platform for leaders like me to emerge as catalysts for change.” he said.
The Daigo Project: A Catalyst for Social Change
Aligned with UWE’s 2030 Strategy, the Daigo Project was launched in 2019, creating a dynamic partnership between UWE and Daughters of Africa. Its core mission is to empower communities through multidisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and sustainable development. The project has facilitated mutual learning experiences for UWE students and Gambian youth, emphasizing the intersection of education, enterprise, and global realities.
A legacy of collaboration, the Daigo Partnership exemplifies the transformative power of joint efforts. UK students traveling to The Gambia gain invaluable insights into grassroots development, while Gambian leaders access world-class educational resources. This exchange fosters mutual growth, empowering participants to address social inequalities and drive sustainable change.
The Daigo Project Partnership
This professional development initiative was part of the Daigo Project, an innovative collaboration between UWE and Daughters of Africa. Launched in 2019, the Daigo Project aligns with UWE’s 2030 Strategy to foster education, technology integration, and community empowerment. By facilitating mutual learning experiences, the project bridges cultural and educational gaps, enabling UK students and Gambian leaders to address local solutions.
As part of his role in the Daigo Project, As the Program Mager. Alagie played a key role in preparing 24 UWE students for their upcoming trip to The Gambia. This marks the ninth iteration of the international exchange program, which emphasizes sustainable community solutions and cross-cultural collaboration.
Training for International Impact
Alagie and his team’s responsibilities included designing and delivering an intensive training program to equip students with the cultural, academic, and practical knowledge required for successful project implementation. The training encompassed:
International Cultural Education:
Alagie provided an in-depth introduction to Gambian culture, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and effective communication in cross-cultural settings. Students explored cultural nuances that would enable them to build meaningful connections and deliver impactful projects.
Project Development and Refinement:
Students were guided in aligning their project ideas with the needs of local communities. This involved ensuring proposals were feasible, sustainable, and adaptable to the Gambian context.
Professional Development and Real-Life Applications:
The training emphasized applying academic knowledge to real-life challenges. Students were encouraged to think critically and innovatively about their roles in project delivery.
The three-day program included interactive in-person workshops at UWE frenchay campus and a virtual session led by Daughters of Africa CEO, Famara Fatty. This holistic approach ensured students were well-prepared to implement their projects effectively upon arrival in The Gambia.
Fostering Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The Daigo Project brings together students from diverse academic disciplines to address community needs in The Gambia. These multidisciplinary efforts focus on areas such as social sciences, early childhood education, and broader educational initiatives. By working with Gambian youth leaders, partners, and counterparts, the program ensures sustainability and synergy in all projects.
A Milestone in Leadership and Development
For Alagie, this initiative marked a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey. It provided a platform to share his expertise in international cultural education and project management while contributing to the development of future leaders.
“This experience not only strengthened my skills in training and leadership but also reaffirmed my commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development through education and innovation,” Alagie reflected.
A Vision for the Future
As Alagie looks to the future, he remains steadfast in his mission to inspire hope, opportunity, and empowerment across The Gambia. The tools and insights gained from his journey at UWE will be instrumental in driving initiatives like Daughters of Africa, Inspiring Young Stars and the Daigo Project, unlocking Africa’s boundless potential through education, innovation, and collaboration.
“This is a motivation and uplifting moment of profetional development and the passion that drives our development work,” Alagie affirmed. “Together, we can build a future where technology bridges gaps, empowers communities, and transforms lives.”