"Ashesi"

If there is anything you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I heard about Ashesi Univeristy in Ghana several years ago in Seattle when I met one of the university's co-founders, Nina Marini, at a World Affairs Council event. At that time, I was amazed to learn that a few individuals could start a university. The building of an institution like this seemed to me to be something that only big institutional investors and well-established organizations could pull off. So it really left an impression on me to learn that a small team of committed individuals could create such positive social change.

"Ashesi", now celebrating its fifth year anniversary, has provided young Africans with rich academic, social, and cultural experiences. This year Ashesi welcomed the Class of 2011, which is comprised of 42% women and 58% men. Five percent of this class come from other countries in Africa, including: Guinea, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Gambia, and the Ivory Coast. One of its key measures of success includes an impressive report that 97% of Ashesi's Class of 2006 were employed within three months of graduation.

Ashesi's founder, Patrick Awuaha, first read Goethe words (above) at a time when he was still questioning whether to pursue such an ambitious project. Encouraged by Goethe's words, he began by conducting a feasibility study of his idea with help from his team of fellow MBA candidates from University of California Berkeley. Clarifying the risks and issues at hand helped Awuah shed his reservations. One day he realized that he had lost his hesitation and had become very committed to this project.

"Ashesi", which means "beginning" in Akan, a native Ghanaian language, provides a new beginning for every student who comes to Ashesi. Its mission is to build an institution that reinvents itself to fit the changing needs of society, and which grows by replicating itself throughout Ghana and Africa.

One of the keys for Ashesi's success has been its collaborative partnerships. The business plan for Ashesi was devised through a partnership with the Clausen Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Its curriculum was designed in collaboration with faculty at Swarthmore College, University of California at Berkeley, and University of Washington. An international study abroad program was created in collaboration with New York University. An African dance and music course was created in collaboration with the Noyam Institute in Accra. The Fulbright program has created the opportunity for visiting faculty from the United States to strengthen and plan the expansion of academic life at Ashesi.

Through these partnerships, as well as through those with the local business community, Ashesi provides youth with a quality education and serves as a bridge between academic life and vocational placement.

“The students of Ashesi have an incredible edge over their friends in other universities.” Rolland Djan Jr., the HR Manager of Ecobank.

Patrick Awuah and his team confirm that if there is anything you can do, or dream, begin it. Ashesi University is a result of the commitment and dedication of a small group of individuals, exemplifying exactly what U.S. anthropologist Margaret Mead was talking about when she stated,

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Please visit Ashesi University for more information.