Issoufou Sanda’s student volunteering leads to skills development  and personal growth

Having gone through the process of adjusting to a new culture himself, Issoufou Sanda from Niger is committed to sharing his experience as an Australia Awards scholar to help other new scholars to integrate into the academic community, navigate campus resources and overcome cultural differences at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia.

Issofou is in his second year at Griffith University for a Master of Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control and has supported Griffith University’s Introductory Academic Program (IAP) sessions through the University’s Griffith Mates initiative.  He volunteers his time by meeting new Australia Award scholars and taking them on campus tours to help familiarise them with campus facilities and the available enrichment activities. He also provides practical support with setting up Australian bank accounts, buying essentials such as food, IT equipment, transport cards and assisting new scholars to navigate the local bus routes.

Issoufou arrived in Australia in 2023. Coming from a French-speaking country he spent his first year undertaking English courses and a Master of Qualifying Program to help him develop academic English skills to adjust to an English-based curriculum. While completing this course he began volunteering with Griffith Mates, a university-led peer-support network of 136 student leaders and participants from 32 countries. This group helps students to settle into Australian life through a combination of on-campus, online and community-based social activities that expand students’ social networks in Brisbane.

However, Issofou’s volunteering turned out to be mutually beneficial as it provided ample opportunities to practice his English, form diverse friendships and connections and to create lasting memories. He is convinced that actively participating in extra-curriculum University activities not only helped him to adjust to the campus and the Australian environment, but also built his leadership skills which in turn enhanced his educational and social experiences in Australia. Though Issoufou found Griffith Mates during the university’s orientation week, he did his own research to find specific activities that would motivate him to keep engaged with the program.

He says: “My volunteering role facilitates cultural exchange and mutual learning, benefiting not only myself as an international student but also enriching the educational experiences of Australian students through the fostering of cross-cultural understanding and relationships. This peer support is instrumental in enhancing both the educational and social experiences of students at Griffith University.”

In Niger, Mr. Sanda works for the Ministry of Mines where he oversees and monitors mining operations. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with mining regulations to minimise environmental damage and public health risks linked to mining operations. He applied for an Australia Award to gain advanced knowledge and practical skills to develop mining closure plans and environmental monitoring techniques. This is to mitigate environmental and socio-economic harm as a result of mining activities..

Since the 1970’s over three million tons of waste from uranium mines have been discharged into damns around Niger’s Arlit region. Subsequent testing of affected areas showed high levels of radioactivity and the presence of toxic chemicals posing serious health risks to the local community. Mine closure processes in Niger are largely ineffective with a lack of skills in developing closure plans at many operating sites. Government policies also fail to address environmental and public health risks.

When Issofou returns to Niger his goal is to craft effective and clear guidelines for mine closures to ensure environmentally sustainable practices and better health outcomes. A key activity will be to engage local stakeholders through community outreach programs and specialised training sessions. His experience with Griffith Mate has provided him with the confidence and ability to speak to large groups and form connections to create change.

“Actively engage with your peers and integrate into a community. Joining a university student community provides a pathway to personal growth throughout your academic career. These groups enhance your academic pursuits and supports personal development beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities can lead to the discovery of new passions and interests, enriching your life well after graduation. Moreover, taking on community leadership roles allows for the practical application of academic knowledge and facilitates the development of professional, academic, and personal skills”, Issofou adds.