UPG Viewer

32 Years Old

Togo

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

Oubo-Gaou Abdou-Rassidou is a devoted professional with a diverse educational and professional background. He received a full scholarship to study Arabic at Qatar University in 2017 and, upon returning, completed his undergraduate degree in English literature at the University of Lomé in 2019. In 2021, he received a scholarship from the Azerbaijani government to pursue a master’s degree in linguistics (English) at Khazar University, Baku, where he earned his MA.
Alongside his academic journey, he has gained valuable experience as an English and French instructor in both Togo and Azerbaijan. In 2019, he founded an office to help students from underrepresented countries secure scholarships to study abroad. To date, his initiative has helped 30 students from countries such as Togo, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Niger receive full scholarships, transforming their educational futures.
His passion for service extends beyond education. In 2019, he founded an association dedicated to assisting disadvantaged communities in Togo. Our efforts focus on providing clean water, supporting students who cannot afford school fees, and helping widows and prisoners. These experiences have deeply shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and have driven him to seek solutions on a larger scale.

Community-Centered Leadership/Educational Advocacy/Resilience and Empathy/ustainability-Oriented/Strong Communication Skills/nnovative Problem Solving

One of my key strengths is community-centered leadership, which I have applied extensively in my work with underserved groups. A particular instance where this strength helped achieve meaningful change was when I led an initiative to provide clean water to a village that had long struggled with access to basic resources.

Instead of imposing a top-down solution, I worked closely with the community, listening to their concerns and understanding their specific needs. Together, we designed a water supply system that would not only address their immediate challenges but be maintained by the villagers themselves. By involving community leaders and training local residents on how to manage the system, we ensured the solution was sustainable and long-lasting.

This project reflected my belief that communities are best empowered when they actively participate in their own development. The pride and ownership the villagers took in maintaining the system have made it a lasting success. The initiative went beyond providing water; it strengthened the community’s capacity for self-reliance and sustainability, which aligns with my broader mission of helping marginalized groups become resilient and independent. This experience underscored how community-centered leadership can drive impactful, long-term change.

Yes, I have extensive volunteer experience within my community, particularly in supporting underprivileged groups like orphans, widows, and students struggling to afford school fees. I’ve led initiatives to provide financial assistance for education and to address basic needs, such as access to clean water in villages. Through this experience, I’ve learned the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of empathy in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Volunteering has taught me valuable leadership and organizational skills while reinforcing my belief in empowering communities to create sustainable, lasting change.

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project within my community or organization, it would focus on establishing a community-based sustainable education and resource center. This project would aim to integrate educational opportunities with practical sustainability initiatives to address both immediate needs and long-term development goals.Drawing from my experience in helping students secure scholarships, this center would offer workshops and training programs on sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. By combining education with hands-on experience, we can equip community members with the skills needed to address environmental challenges and improve their quality of life.Building on my past efforts to provide clean water and financial assistance, the center would also focus on managing and distributing resources effectively. It would include a community garden to promote sustainable agriculture, a water conservation program, and a resource-sharing system to support the needs of vulnerable groups like orphans and widows. This project would foster a sense of ownership and collaboration among community members. By involving locals in both the planning and implementation phases, we can ensure that the solutions are tailored to their specific needs and are sustainable in the long run.The center would serve as a hub for ongoing education and resource management, creating a model for other communities to replicate. It would help build local capacity and resilience, demonstrating how integrating sustainability into daily life can drive lasting change. This project aligns with my background in education and community support and reflects my commitment to creating sustainable, empowering solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Overcoming resistance requires building strong relationships and trust within the community. I would engage community leaders and influential members early in the process to garner their support and address any concerns. Additionally, involving local residents in the planning stages ensures that the project aligns with their needs and preferences, increasing buy-in and participation. Securing funding can be challenging, especially for community-based projects. I would leverage my experience in raising financial assistance for students by applying for grants, seeking donations from local businesses, and organizing fundraising events. Additionally, partnering with local organizations and government bodies can provide additional support and resources. Maintaining community involvement over time can be difficult. To address this, I would establish clear goals and milestones for the project and regularly communicate progress to the community. Offering incentives, such as skill-building workshops or small grants for active participants, can also encourage ongoing engagement.Implementing sustainable practices requires technical expertise. I would seek partnerships with experts in renewable energy, agriculture, and water management to provide training and guidance. Additionally, setting up a local advisory board comprising community members and experts can help address technical issues and ensure the project remains on track. To ensure the project’s longevity, I would focus on building local capacity by training community members to manage and maintain the center independently. Developing a sustainability plan that includes financial, operational, and environmental aspects will help ensure that the center continues to thrive even after initial funding and support have ended.
By addressing these challenges proactively and leveraging my background in education and community support, I am confident that the Community-Based Sustainable Education and Resource Center can make a lasting, positive impact.

About 30 people

Yes

Abdou-Rachid’s office

As this Organization and the place belongs to me I will host the mini-training session here so a place will not be a problem for me to host people.

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