Bridging Generations: Empowering Futures

Mary Taiwo Ajide
Nov 12, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Before I embark on my post today, I'd like to begin with a quote from Ubuntu: "I am because you are." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of the mentorship initiative that my colleagues and I championed at UCD, connecting African postgraduate students with key alumni professionals. Through this program, we aimed to foster a spirit of mutual support and shared growth that lies at the heart of mentorship. 👥 👥

On September 26, 2024, I had the pleasure of joining two fellow African academics in launching a new and exciting mentoring initiative supported by UCD Global and UCD Alumni! 🎓 This program, organised as part of the ACE UP initiatives, seeks to expand the reach of student-alumni mentorship into Africa. Our goal is simple but powerful: to connect UCD's African postgraduate students with key Alumni professionals, bridging a crucial gap in career development by providing invaluable knowledge, expertise, and networking opportunities. 🌍✨

The event, held at University College Dublin, was imbued with warmth and positivity from the start. The atmosphere buzzed as professionals and students alike shared personal experiences, insights, and encouragement. For the students, this wasn’t just an introduction to potential career pathways but an opportunity to gain real-world advice from those who have walked similar paths. Alumni mentors, in turn, expressed genuine enthusiasm for connecting with the next generation of African scholars and future leaders, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas and inspiration.

A Remarkable Turnout and Inspiring Results

The turnout for this inaugural event exceeded all expectations, with over 50 participants attending. The feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the immense value of fostering mentorship relationships that empower students and equip them for their next steps. 🎉

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to UCD Alumni, UCD Global, and the African Scholars Association Ireland for their tremendous support in making this initiative possible. Their backing has been instrumental in transforming this vision into a reality and in providing a lasting platform for growth, learning, and connection that transcends generations. Through this mentorship program, we hope to continue fostering sustainable, impactful relationships that bridge continents, connect generations, and empower futures.

Here’s to many more events like this and the countless success stories that will arise from these valuable connections! 🌍✨

The pictures below capture some beautiful and captivating moments from the event: