I am Gaelle Tiku, a 2021 graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Buea. I was told about RGE Foundation by a friend of my sister who knew about our financial challenges. Being a scholar at the time, she encouraged me to apply for the scholarship program during my second year of college. Through the scholarship award, I was able to complete my Bachelors Degree in time. The program not only afforded me the opportunity to graduate but also provided the exposure I needed to prepare for life after graduation. I was able to uncover my true identity and to become a better steward of everything I have. Lessons taught during mentoring sessions have equipped me to be more diligent in my responsibilities as well as improved the quality of my relationships with my family and friends. I have been motivated to continue looking for ways to improve on professional skills and be more purposeful in my approach to life.

Being an RGE Foundation Scholar gave me hands-on experience to develop my leadership skills while serving as a volunteer. I am currently a virtual intern for a software development start-up located in Silicon Valley. I aspire to become a senior software developer and a life coach, so as to help others discover their life’s purpose.

My advice to future scholars would be to take full advantage of this opportunity. We are not just given the chance to go to school, but also mentored to become responsible adults in the marketplace. Such opportunities don’t come easy, and if  given a chance, make the most of it while you can.