Oumou H. Cherif

What A Pencil And Notebook 

Can Do For A Child

Give a pencil and notebook to the average person, she'll build her own future. Give a pencil and notebook to Oumou H. Cherif, she'll build the future of an entire nation.

From the get-go, Cherif's parents invested in her so that she could grow to become an educated woman with choices. But she has always felt a tingly itch within her soul to help those whose parents lacked the financial stability to give their son(s) and daughter(s) access to an education.

"Education is a pathway to better your life and the life of others," she expressed. "Education doesn't make life perfect, but it does guarantee you respect."

Respect is all that Cherif has been getting since she founded her not-for-profit organization Children Education Alliance Inc. (CEA) in January 2012. Her organization has, since, "given [the children of Guinea, Kindia] a lot of hope" by providing them with academic supplies. 

Some speak of wanting to make a difference,  but do not act upon it. Cherif speaks of wanting to make a difference and acts upon it. Abass Dieng, Vice President of Guinea Conakry United of Massachusetts (GCUM) --an initiative that strives to integrate the Guinean community in Massachusetts, Boston-- said that his encounter with cherif led him to unhesitatingly believe that "she understands what the meaning of life is...she sets goals and is  very committed to fulfill the goals she set."

As an only child, one can only imagine the endless attention Cherif has been spoiled with all her life. But she has not kept all to herself the love she has been showered with. She has found ways to transfuse her love by empowering the youth. By showing them that "someone out there cares."

In the early stages of CEA, raised funds were sent to a representative in Guinea, supplies were purchased there, and then  distributed to  a myriad of students in Kindia who were eager to get a hold of their school supplies. 

Now, with a campaign that aims to assemble 10,000 notebooks and pencils, CEA isn't taking money from its supporters. The Massachusetts-based organization is giving its supports the opportunity to purchase pens and notebooks during their own time and then donate.   This creates a bond. This creates movement.

Cherif could  have distributed other tools to the youth in Guinea (perhaps rulers, compasses, calculators, etc.), but she chose, instead, to give them two sacred tools: a pencil and notebook. A pencil and notebook? What can a pencil and notebook do for a child that no other tools can? 

According to the this young, committed, education-advocate Guinean-born, a pencil and notebook will give a child the power to full-hardheartedly express his or her thoughts on paper and be able to pass on a knowledge, wisdom which will empower another.

A Glimpse of Cherif's World

"As much as people see me as a strong person,I would also like them to know that I am vulnerable...I make mistakes...I am human."-Cherif

(L-R) Natacha Gwet (Executive Director at US-Africa Synergy), Assiatou B. Bah (Guinean Activist), Cherif, Saran Kaba Jones (founder and CEO of Face Africa)

"My number one mentor is my mother... my other three mentors are Natacha Gwet, Saran Kaba Jones and Assiatou B. Bah. Mentors are people who can help you make better decisions. Sometimes when you're too proud, they tell you to calm down...they keep you humble."-Cherif

CEA Annual Fundraising Event in Massachusetts (2013)

"I have always believed in sharing when I learned something."-Cherif

Cherif sharing her story on "Every Women Has A Story"

(L-R) Eunice Onwona (host), Cherif

"We all need each other. I have something that you don't have, and you have something that I don't have...God did not give us everything so that we can help each other."-Cherif

Children Education Alliance Recipients

"Kids are the future of tomorrow...CEA have sponsored close to 2000 children with school supplies since its creation."-Cherif

  African Youth Excellence (AYE) Launch in Boston (05/10/14)

(L-R) member of AYE, Cherif

"Leadership is being able to influence others positively without ruling them...leadership is working together."-Cherif

Cherif's (right) rally in Boston, MA against Boko Haram's abduction of the 200-something schoolgirls in Nigeria (05/08/14)

"I  never thought there was a person like that [Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau] that existed. I am heartbroken by this...that's taking away 200 dreams, 200 goals...that's taking away future doctors, lawyers...school is supposed to be a safe environment for kids."-Cherif

A Proud Guinean

   "Our goal is not to forget where we came from."-Cherif

Ways to reach Cherif:

Instagram: Oumoucherif

Facebook: Children Education Alliance / Oumou H. Cherif

Website: www. Africacea.org

Email: oumou.cherif@gmail.com