Journeys of Growth: Debora and Ester at Ashesi University
Ashesi University’s Courtyard
Meet Debora and Ester, the first SEGA Graduates and among the first ten Tanzanians accepted to Ashesi University in Ghana. Named a top-10 university on the African continent last year, Ashesi was founded to foster an African renaissance through ethical and entrepreneurial leadership. Ashesi combines a rigorous multidisciplinary core with specialized programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, and Engineering. Emphasizing integrity through a student-led honor code, Ashesi integrates community service, diverse internships, and real-world projects to prepare students like Debora and Ester to innovate and tackle challenges across Africa. Their journey highlights Ashesi's commitment to nurturing transformative leaders who drive positive change in their communities and beyond. These two determined young women from the SEGA Girls’ School share a passion for academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community development—deeply ingrained in their time at SEGA.
Their paths to Ashesi began with a rigorous application process, including essays and interviews, culminating in moments of joy upon receiving their acceptance letters. Debora was drawn to Ashesi’s commitment to engineering excellence and vibrant community. At the same time, Ester chose Ashesi for its emphasis on technology and innovation, foreseeing opportunities to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. Both girls started their four-year program in January of 2024.
Both young women are pursuing majors in computer science and thriving in Ashesi’s dynamic learning environment, which prioritizes critical thinking and problem-solving. They value the university’s diverse student body, which promotes cultural understanding and peer collaboration. Debora finds solace in Ashesi’s lush campus and modern facilities.
Reflecting on her experience, Debora highlights, “Some of the interesting things I love about Ashesi are the division of students of a particular course into several cohorts. This allows most students to participate more easily and understand lecture content. I like that Ashesi is a culturally diverse University where we experience new cultures as we interact, learn, and respect other peoples' beliefs and live as brothers and sisters. Also, Ashesi initiates ethics through the Honor Code system. All students must sign and adhere to the honor code. I love the environment, the food, and general life since people are always ready to help and are concerned about others, including the teachers, students, workers, and the whole of the Ashesi Community.”
Ester, SEGA Graduate and Ashesi University student
Meanwhile, Ester is impressed by integrating technology into learning at Ashesi, which facilitates research projects and internships aligned with her career goals. She adds, “ The campus atmosphere at Ashesi is very welcoming and vibrant, which includes students from diverse backgrounds coming together to collaborate, learn, and engage in extracurricular activities catering to their interests and passions. For instance, there are student clubs and organizations, leadership development programs, sports and recreation, entrepreneurship and innovation, and academic competitions and conferences.” Ester has not yet had the opportunity to join a club but is eager to join the community outreach club next semester.
Debora, SEGA Graduate and Ashesi University student
Looking ahead, Debora shares, “One of the most memorable activities I have had with some of the Ashesi staff members was the Passport Event.” This is one of the programs designed for first-year students to guide and support them with career development aspirations and an understanding of development initiatives available at Ashesi. Debora has thoroughly enjoyed this program. Getting exposed to different experiences from seniors involved in global essay writing competitions, research projects, and other international opportunities available at school is interesting and inspiring. This makes her feel stronger and eager to explore new opportunities.
Ester envisions her future continuing to evolve in the fields of technology and innovation, potentially through further studies or entrepreneurship. She also aims to give back to both the Ashesi and SEGA communities through mentoring and contributing to community growth and development.
As they progress through their academic journeys, Debora and Ester envision futures filled with growth, discovery, and impactful contributions to their communities. They are determined to leverage their education and experiences at Ashesi to make a positive difference in their fields and beyond, embodying the university’s mission to foster ethical leadership and innovation in Africa and globally.