“It was so unfortunate to be from a community where Education (English) was not something valued. Being part of the first batch to go to school was really challenging, but knowing where you come from and seeing the struggles and hardships circumnavigating your community serves as a catalyst in your endeavors.”

These were the words of Mustapha Ndimballan, who recently graduated as the best student in the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan.

Originally from Njoren in the Central River Region, Mustapha has proven that one can overcome the obstacles of poverty with determination, passion and hard work.

He said: “Being the best graduating student in my department means a lot to me, because it is not only for me but my family, friends and my country.”

Mustapha was among the students that received Taiwanese government scholarship to further their education in the tiny Asian country that recently suffered from a shock diplomatic break up with The Gambia when President Jammeh severed ties, leaving Taiwan with only three African countries to rely on for support to their independence claim.

“The Taiwanese scholarship came up when a friend phoned me at the provinces to tell me. I quickly grabbed the opportunity and applied and was lucky to be part of the accepted ones.”

The Njoren boy is now preparing to return home to help improve the country’s agricultural sector, which has so many untapped potentials.

He told What’s On-Gambia: “I want to contribute to national development, but not over looking further studies if I get the opportunity.”

On his advice to children from less privileged communities in rural Gambia, Mustapha said: “Focus and do not relent, nothing comes easy in life. Dream to be a change maker!”