KAWS

I was born and raised in Fadugu, in the Koinadugu District of Sierra Leone, and am the son of Pa Foray Kamara and Mama Kadija Koroma.

I believe that I grew more, emotionally, socially, and intellectually, during my five years of secondary school than during any other period of time. Ahamadiyya Muslim Agricultural Secondary School Kabala (AMASS)  attracted students from every part of the country, and in a sense was a way for me to get away from what my primary-school head master perceived as an academic dead-end in my locality because there was no secondary school in Fadugu.

Indeed, it provided a thorough academic environment, and with one teacher for every subject and classes of nearly 50 students, I managed to learn some important lessons about dealing with "the system."  AMASS Kabala continued to prepare its students well; it was consistently placed among the top 40 in national rankings of Secondary schools. The current status of the school I graduated from in 1992 may not seem terribly relevant here, but it is in fact central to the theme of this autobiographical statement. 

I am a full time employee of the University of Winnipeg. I am also an observer on the University Of Winnipeg's Board of Regents, representing the International Union of Operating Engineers for members of the Physical Plant department.

I am the father of two children: Naomi Kadija Kamara in Winnipeg and Foray Jasper Kamara in Freetown and am in a committed relationship. 

I am the vice president of Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba and also the public relations officer of Sierra Ambassadors of Manitoba, a position I have held now for three years. In this position I have been able to raise the profile of the club locally (in the community) and internationally.

 I place a great importance on education and have always had a drive to learn more and excel in life. I have seen the positive effects of a good education in my own family. That is something I would like to see continue, regardless of how their interests may direct their future education. Experience has shown me that an education can provide the essential foundation on which a healthy family can be built.

 It is my perspective that, as a community, we have to enhance and strengthen our "sense of community". Sierra Leoneans must unify, love each other, support community causes and refrain from petty negative behaviours. When I sit back and consider the significant events in my past, the important aspects of my current life, and my future goals, the underlying theme is one of appreciating diversity, especially across ethnic and socioeconomic class lines.