A Journey of Mentorship

What happens when a single act of mentorship transforms not just a student’s future, but an entire community’s hope for progress?

Summary

Desmond Sannoh finally paired with his mentor Sylvia Wachuku-King for the POWAA UK Mentoring Programme while in SS3 Special in January 2019. This article describes an exciting mutually inspiring journey together with Desmond successfully leaving Prince of Wales, then maintaining his standard at Fourah Bay College, FBC, eventually obtaining a First Class Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and now pursuing his dream career abroad.  

Introduction
As we reflect on the centenary celebrations of Prince of Wales, one story stands out: a story of resilience, guidance, and the power of community. This is the journey of Desmond, a determined young student whose life was shaped by mentorship and collective support.

Why the Mentorship Scheme
Entering Prince of Wales in 1966 opened doors to a world of pure science and intellectual growth. Decades later, as a proud alumna, Sylvia sought to give back meaningfully, answering the call to action, when Rev Ian Luke-Macauley launched the POWAA UK Scholarship and Mentoring Programme[1]. She eagerly applied, seeing it as an opportunity to fulfill her desire to support young Princewaleans in achieving their dreams. Further, her involvement in the POWAA Mentorship Scheme was driven by her deep sense of gratitude and commitment to giving back, she wanted to contribute beyond social events and meetings, so she aimed to make a direct impact on students’ lives.

Meeting Desmond, Overcoming Challenges
Desmond entered the POWAA UK Scholarship and Mentoring Scheme at the start of his SSS4 (SS3 Special) year at the Prince of Wales in November 2018. After some delay a mentor/mentee relationship began between him and Sylvia at the end of January 2019. Desmond, then a dedicated and hardworking science student in Senior Secondary School, dreamed of becoming a professional through academia. His strong academic record and determination were evident, but challenges loomed; financial constraints, lack of resources, and limited opportunities threatened his progress, and the mentorship scheme discouraged financial exchanges. Through regular communication and needs assessment, Sylvia identified key areas of support. From providing access to mobile data for consistent contact to addressing gaps in laboratory practicals, every step was taken to ensure Desmond stayed motivated and equipped for success. Later, payment of university college fees demanded collaboration with local sponsors and family support. Notwithstanding these challenges, Desmond maintained his high standard and halfway at FBC was recognized as a Brain of his faculty.

Demystifying the Myth
The journey was not without other obstacles related to traditional beliefs.
Towards the end of his university degree, Desmond missed out on an anticipated placement opportunity, leaving him somewhat disappointed. He said, “Aunty Sylvia, you don’t understand – here in Freetown, you need sababu to move forward and succeed.” I responded firmly: “What sababu? Listen, you are your own sababu. Keep working hard, believe in yourself, and continue doing what you’ve been doing all these years. You will create your own opportunities.” Sylvia also encouraged him to surround himself with like-minded, positive individuals, stay proactive, and seek opportunities that align with his career preparedness plan.

Sticking to the mutual plan, Desmond graduated with First Class Honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and First Position in his class in December 2024. To fulfil his career dream, he has just recently secured a place, with a scholarship, in an international master’s programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen Technology in Niger under the West African Science Centre on Climate Change and Adaptive Land Use, WASCAL Programme. His journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and community investment in education. It is a proud moment for all of us, having vowed to support him until he became independent and self-reliant. According to Desmond, his true celebration is attending church to dedicate his success to God.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
Desmond’s success was not the result of one person’s effort alone. Family members, alumni, and friends played vital roles, offering guidance, encouragement, and even technical support. From sharing healthy eating tips to providing a laptop for coursework, the network around Desmond ensured he felt valued and supported.This collaborative spirit echoes the timeless truth: it truly takes a village to raise a child. Mentorship goes beyond academics; it is about creating an environment where potential can thrive.

As we look ahead, let this story inspire us to continue building pathways for success; because when we invest in one life, we uplift generations. As POWAA refines its mentoring scheme, let us continue to nurture potential and create pathways for success. Meanwhile I thank POWAA for this wonderful opportunity.

Sylvia Wachuku-King
POWAA UK Scholarship and Mentoring Programme, Extended Mentor 2019–2025

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[1] POWAA UK provides financial support (scholarships) to deserving POW pupils (up to 20) annually. Each scholarship is worth £100.  Each of the POW students who are in receipt of Association scholarships are also enrolled in a POWAA UK mentorship scheme and provided with a POWAA UK Trustee as a mentor. The highly successful Mentorship scheme aims to motivate, encourage and guide students in their education and career pathways.