An incredibly impactful memoir about the power of grit, faith, and resilience, Purposeful Education: My Bet Against Poverty follows Ebrima Sawaneh’s inspiring path from his humble beginnings in a village in The Gambia to his work as a successful business executive who has served in various roles in The Gambia and beyond. While living with his grandmother, Sawaneh decided to attend classes after watching other children go to school. Driven by the desire to learn and make a better life for himself and his community, Sawaneh committed himself to his studies. But many difficult trials derailed his path to success and more than once, he was forced to drop out and consider abandoning his dreams. With the support of kind mentors, he continued to learn and succeed in school, later becoming a sought-after finance leader and a recipient of the National Order of Knights from the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire.

This is an invaluable work for any reader seeking a deeply motivating read. Sawaneh’s determination to succeed shines through each chapter, showing others facing similar hurdles that it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges. The memoir includes many important themes such as the role of education in combating inequality, the effects of poverty, and the educational gap between the rich and the poor, which many readers will find familiar. I was inspired by Sawaneh’s incredible strength and focus on giving back to others. His journey aptly portrays the value of community and mentors in one’s professional and personal life. A powerful story with profound life lessons, Purposeful Education by Ebrima Sawaneh is about overcoming insurmountable odds and achieving the impossible.

In his memoir, Purposeful Education: My Bet Against Poverty, Ebrima Sawaneh shares his unwavering commitment to education, driven by Islamic Hadiths. He faced poverty and family opposition but persisted in his pursuit of knowledge. Sawaneh overcame financial challenges and even temporarily left school for carpentry training. High school brought academic success but this was marred by a traumatic student protest. Relocating to the city for further education, he persevered with family support. He joined Guaranty Trust Bank, balancing work and study, and married Amie. International opportunities at Africa Finance Corporation marked a turning point, leading to an MBA and entrepreneurial aspirations. The narrative encompasses pivotal moments, including blogging and Toastmasters, and emphasizes Sawaneh's dedication to helping others on their journey of education and personal development.

Purposeful Education by Ebrima Sawaneh is a simply written, straightforward memoir, and Saweneh narrates his journey in a clear voice. I found several of Sawaneh's themes to be touching, particularly as they apply to his personal journey. Sawaneh harkens back to his deep familial and community bonds, such as those with his mother, whose tears were mixed with both sadness and pride as she encouraged him to pursue education, and the efforts made by Kemo Ceesay to pay Sawaneh's first-term school fee. I really value this recognition, as well as his acknowledgment of the importance of mentorship and building relationships in one's professional journey. Although touched on here and there, I would have liked richer context and more details about the broader economic, social, and political landscape of The Gambia and West Africa, as these factors would have influenced the author's experiences and decisions. That said, overall, Sawaneh delivers an honest and transparent view of his journey that readers who enjoy a solid story of growth will appreciate.