Information for Parents, Guardians, and Carers

Faustina Manka’a Nforngwa, a 17-year-old from Cameroon, is an Open Dreams Scholar driven by her passion for community service and creating meaningful impact. Growing up as a student amidst sociopolitical unrest in Cameroon, she developed a deep conviction in the transformative power of education. Faustina plans to pursue a degree in Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. In her spare time, she enjoys immersing herself in African literature.

Ojullu, a refugee originally from the Gambella region of western Ethiopia and currently residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp, is passionate about bridging communities and addressing social and political challenges. He plans to pursue a major in International Relations and a minor in Economics, aiming to work with organizations like the United Nations and UNHCR to create meaningful change in his community and across Africa. With this degree, he envisions building bridges in conflict areas and crafting innovative solutions to address pressing social and political challenges.

Kudakwashe, born and raised in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, is captivated by space exploration and dreams of venturing beyond Earth.

He has a deep passion for African traditional music, skilled in playing the marimba, hosho, and various mbira types from Zimbabwe. Committed to research and community impact, his proudest achievement is a high school capstone project raising autism awareness among teachers in Chitungwiza.

He will join Northwestern University’s Class of 2029 to explore engineering while pursuing his passions and creating meaningful change.

Zakaria grew up in Casablanca, Morocco a city of vibrant contradictions, where tradition and rebellion intertwine. It was here that he discovered the power of space to hold memories, shape identities, and foster belonging—a realization that ignited his creative journey.

As a multidisciplinary visual artist, he tells stories through sculpture, performance, and painting, exploring the complexities of identity and culture. His work provokes, challenges, and amplifies unheard voices, blending rebellion, reflection, and love.

Zakaria’s fascination with architecture isn’t about structures but about reimagining how spaces connect and include people. Zakaria will pursue a 5-year combined degree in Architectural Studies and Fine Arts at Tufts University. His vision is bold: to create spaces that celebrate inclusivity, amplify the unseen, and hum with rebellion, resilience, and belonging.

Addishiwot was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she nurtured her passion for STEM. Recently accepted to Hamilton College, she plans to major in Computer Science. Currently, she is a co-creator in The Flight School, a gap-year program where she engages with renowned scholars like Max Klau and Stephanie Harrison, exploring concepts such as Adaptive Leadership and The New Happy. Known for her bubbly and outgoing personality, she thrives on connecting with others. Next month, she will join the Take Action Lab (TAL), a gap-semester program that will immerse her in a diverse learning environment. Through hands-on experiences at TAL, Addishiwot is eager to advance her mission of making education more practical and impactful.

Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Moreblessing is a proud graduate of the USAP Community School. She will join the Bates College Class of 2029, where she plans to pursue a degree in physics. With a deep passion for technology and service, Moreblessing envisions using her education to create transformative solutions that will positively impact her community and the world. Moreblessing is dedicated to bettering her community ethical values, earning her recognition as a top candidate for the prestigious Beacon of Integrity Award at USAP Community School.

Abdoul-Walid was born and raised in Niger, a country where only 19% of the population has access to electricity. He hopes to study Electrical Engineering, with the aim of addressing this critical challenge.

He has served as the president of Toastmasters and co-founded the “Cellule of Young Leaders” club, both of which honed his ability to inspire and mobilize others. Through his work with the Youth Parliament of Niger, he gained insights into policymaking and solidified his commitment to leveraging engineering as a tool for national development.

Abdoul-Walid is determined to increase electricity access in Niger to at least 50%. He hopes to build a brighter, more sustainable future for his country.

Emmanuel is a changemaker from Thika, a small town on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Currently in his second year at the African Leadership Academy, he is deeply passionate about governance systems and their intersection with economics. His curiosity about policy, equity, and economic development fuels his commitment to civic engagement and policy advocacy as an aspiring economist.

Beyond academics, Njenga finds joy in meaningful conversations with friends and exploring new music. Recently accepted to Bates College in Maine, he plans to major in Economics, where he hopes to deepen his understanding of economic policy and its role in building just and sustainable societies.

Adoniyas is deeply passionate about technology, economics, and cybersecurity. This fall, he will study Computer Science at the University of Chicago, with a focus on blockchain, AI, and decentralized systems—particularly their transformative applications in banking and healthcare.

An entrepreneurial thinker, Adoniyas has launched startups and developed AI- and IoT-driven solutions to tackle real-world challenges. He thrives on prototyping ideas through UI/UX design, turning complex concepts into practical, innovative solutions. Outside of his work, Adoniyas enjoys playing football, video games, and boxing.

Ismail advances social justice through diplomacy, innovation, and storytelling. As the UN Children & Youth Climate Champion for Africa at COP27, he championed climate action. He founded Empower, a platform for maximizing volunteering potential, and became an ambassador for HSBC’s Tatawwar program. He co-founded the Global Youth Coalition and launched a major UNFCCC negotiations training with Oxford Net Zero. Passionate about storytelling in international relations, he joined Ambient Light Films after their Oscar-longlisted Captains of Zaatari journey. Ismail seeks to merge diplomacy, policy, and visual arts to redefine youth mobilization in politics.

Innocent is dedicated to social impact and using his education to benefit his community. At ALA, he tutors Writing and Omang while also capturing key moments on campus to enhance the academy’s online presence. He is particularly proud of co-organizing the Africa Day celebration and delivering a compelling TEDxALA talk on The Power of Perception.

Innocent aims to merge his studies in Economics and African Studies to tackle pressing global issues affecting Africa. He hopes to leverage his education at Macalester and its global perspective to drive reforms and empower marginalized communities in Kenya.

Having spent his formative years between South Sudan and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Chol Mabior witnessed the profound systemic inequalities that many people endure. Through his pursuit of Economics at Northwestern University, he aims to design sustainable financial models that provide opportunities for all, regardless of their circumstances. Recognizing that financial solutions alone cannot address every challenge, Chol also plans to study Psychology to better understand and address the emotional and behavioral needs of individuals affected by displacement and poverty.

Giedeon was born in Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and has spent much of his life as a refugee in South Africa. Immersed in South Africa’s rich multicultural landscape, he deeply values the diverse experiences that have shaped his identity and outlook on life.

An avid reader, his favorite books include A Thousand Sons and Mechanicus from the Warhammer 40k series—both of which he highly recommends.

This fall, Giedeon will begin studying biological sciences at Northwestern University, with plans to specialize in genetics. He looks forward to channeling his curiosity and unique perspective into exploring new frontiers in science.

Bonheur is a proud graduate of Kigutu International Academy in Burundi, where he developed a passion for advocacy and education. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, a sport that has taught him teamwork and perseverance. Bonheur is deeply committed to promoting quality education for all and was recognized as a finalist in the prestigious Rise for the World Challenge for founding It Falls Upon Us, an educational club dedicated to reducing school dropouts and addressing early pregnancies in his community.

Through the support of the Swaniker Scholars Program, Bonheur has been admitted to the Class of 2029 at Tufts University, where he plans to double major in economics and computer science. He aspires to leverage emerging technologies to drive economic growth in developing countries, combining innovation and advocacy to create lasting impact.

Rolanda was born and raised in Rwanda, where her passion for science and advocacy first took root. She plans to study biomedical engineering with a minor in economics, driven by a vision to create sustainable and accessible healthcare solutions. Deeply committed to supporting teenage mothers and children who have dropped out of school, she strives to help them access opportunities to continue their education. Rolanda hopes to apply her knowledge to make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.

David Zireva is a young scientist with a passion for public health. He graduated from the USAP Class of 2024. Beyond academics, David has diverse interests, including archery, chess, mbira (a traditional Zimbabwean instrument), first aid, and peer support, where he helps his peers navigate the day-to-day challenges of high school. In archery, David has achieved a remarkable milestone as a member of the Zimbabwean National Archery Team. Currently, he serves as a biology teaching assistant and an archery coach at the USAP Community School. In his free time, David enjoys traveling and immersing himself in nature. In the fall of 2025, he will begin his higher education journey at Vanderbilt University, pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.

Rashid, a young entrepreneur and innovator from Arusha, Tanzania, draws inspiration from his upbringing, which instilled in him the values of hard work and a commitment to excellence.

With a strong passion for technology, Rashid aspires to study computer science at university, focusing on data science and artificial intelligence. Beyond academics, he is dedicated to empowering others through education. He has volunteered as a teacher and actively contributed to initiatives that tackle challenges within his community. Rashid’s ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that create meaningful societal impact while motivating others to chase their dreams.