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| Gaoussou Coulibaly, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Student from the Republic of Mali, West Africa. (Photo: Istimewah) |
Having been a labourer with inadequate wages made Gaoussou Coulibaly, a student of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) from the Republic of Mali, West Africa, determined to become a successful entrepreneur. Armed with intention and seriousness, he decided to study diligently at the UMM Accounting Study Programme.
"Being an entrepreneur has been my passion and aspiration since childhood, because in Africa, especially in Mali, you have to work. When looking for work, I encountered many problems. For example, I once worked 12 hours a day and I was not paid well at the end of the month. I am determined to develop various sectors as employment for my family, friends and young people in Mali," said the student who is familiarly called Kuli.
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To realise his dream, Kuli tried to get access to the best education. He joined the Asia Africa Scholarship Student (AASS) programme and got the opportunity to study for 4 years plus 1 year of study preparation.
"I decided to come to Indonesia to study accounting. I found that at UMM, students are encouraged to be the best version of themselves. One of them is through the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) which taught me about the Indonesian language and culture," he added.
Kuli also saw that at UMM he was encouraged to be able to develop his entrepreneurship potential. There are many activities that lead to that. He hopes that what he gets on the White Campus can be implemented in Mali. At least it can reduce the unemployment rate around his neighborhood.
Having lived in Indonesia for three months, Kuli admitted that he enjoyed studying in Malang. He got a lot of experience as well as new friends. Moreover, the UMM community, according to him, is very open and willing to help when he finds difficulties.
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"Studying at UMM is very exciting, especially since the lecturers here are quite friendly and pleasant. The people here are also very nice. I often chat with friends at the boarding house. They do not discriminate against race, language and others. I am grateful to be able to study in Indonesia, especially this city," he concluded. (cdr/auul/wil)
