An esteemed educator from the Bronx, Alhassan Susso, has redirected a $25,000 award he recently received to fund an initiative aimed at honoring teachers in his native country of Gambia. This decision came after the U.S. State Department canceled a grant program that Susso had intended to apply for. Originally planning to secure funding through a public diplomacy grant administered by the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, Susso was left without financial backing when the grant webpage vanished last month. Despite this setback, Susso remains committed to recognizing and rewarding teaching excellence in Gambia.
A Devoted Educator's Journey to Champion Teaching Excellence
In the vibrant Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, Alhassan Susso is celebrated as an exceptional high school teacher who has garnered numerous accolades, including being named national teacher of the year in 2020. Recently honored with a $25,000 prize, Susso decided to channel these funds into a cause close to his heart—a teacher-of-the-year award in Gambia. For months, he meticulously prepared an application for a public diplomacy grant offered by the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, only to discover that the grant information had been removed from the website. Amid rumors of significant layoffs within the U.S. Agency for International Development under the Trump administration, Susso concluded that this organization likely played a role in managing the grants. Undeterred by the cancellation, Susso resolved to self-fund the project, ensuring that Gambian educators receive the recognition they deserve.
From a journalist's perspective, Susso’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and giving back to one's community. His unwavering commitment to supporting education in both the United States and Gambia highlights the universal value of quality teaching. By choosing to personally finance the teacher-of-the-year award despite the loss of potential State Department funding, Susso exemplifies dedication and resilience. His actions inspire others to seek innovative ways to contribute positively to their own communities, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.