BY JENSEN BRIAN ABASS CUMMINGS
As a graduate returning from further studies abroad to Sierra Leone, my heart brims with aspirations of contributing to my homeland’s progress and prosperity. However, the reality awaiting me upon arrival is a stark contrast to the dreams I nurtured during my academic pursuits.
I am intimately familiar with the dissonance between our aspirations and the harsh realities we encounter. In a country where success is often determined not by merit but by connections and affiliations, the gap between our hopes and the means to achieve them can seem insurmountable.
Sierra Leone, like many nations, grapples with a complex web of socio-political dynamics, where the traditional markers of success—education, knowledge, and experience—are often overshadowed by nepotism, favoritism, and cronyism. In such a landscape, the journey towards realizing our dreams can feel like an uphill battle, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.
The prevailing sentiment among the educated class in Sierra Leone is one of apprehension, even fear, towards those in positions of power. We find ourselves navigating a system where advancement is not based on meritocracy but on who you know and where you come from. This reality can be disheartening, even disillusioning, especially for those of us who have invested years in pursuing education and acquiring skills.
Indeed, the stories of resilience and triumph in Sierra Leone are testament to the enduring spirit of its people. From the grassroots entrepreneurs to the dedicated civil servants, there exists a silent army of individuals who defy the odds and carve out their own paths to success. Theirs is a reminder that while the journey may be arduous, it is not without its rewards.
As we navigate the complexities of life in Sierra Leone, it is essential to maintain a steadfast faith in our abilities and the guiding hand of Providence. While we may not have control over the external forces that shape our circumstances, we possess the agency to persevere, to adapt, and to overcome.
In times of uncertainty, let us draw strength from the words of Ecclesiastes: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Our dreams may be deferred, our hopes may be tested, but in the fullness of time, they shall come to fruition.
Yet, amid the challenges and setbacks, there remains a glimmer of hope—a belief in the power of hard work, perseverance, and faith in a higher purpose. For those of us who place our trust in God and our own diligence, there is solace in the knowledge that success is not solely contingent upon worldly measures of achievement.
Indeed, the stories of resilience and triumph in Sierra Leone are testament to the enduring spirit of its people. From the grassroots entrepreneurs to the dedicated civil servants, there exists a silent army of individuals who defy the odds and carve out their own paths to success. Theirs is a reminder that while the journey may be arduous, it is not without its rewards.
As we navigate the complexities of life in Sierra Leone, it is essential to maintain a steadfast faith in our abilities and the guiding hand of Providence. While we may not have control over the external forces that shape our circumstances, we possess the agency to persevere, to adapt, and to overcome.
In times of uncertainty, let us draw strength from the words of Ecclesiastes: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Our dreams may be deferred, our hopes may be tested, but in the fullness of time, they shall come to fruition.
So, to my fellow dreamers and seekers of a better tomorrow, I offer this gentle reminder: Stay the course, remain steadfast in your convictions, and trust in the wisdom of God’s timing. For though the road may be long and winding, the destination is worth the journey. And when we finally arrive, we will find that our dreams were not in vain, but the seeds of a future transformed.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, May 10TH, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
