The Essence of Leadership in GASAM: A Noble Duty Worth Preserving

By Mrs. AWA CONTEH Former Gasam Secretary general and a Final year Computer science student.

Leadership at the level of the Gambian Students Association in Morocco (GASAM) is more than just a title; it is a journey of self-betterment, patience, and service. It is an opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, all while fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Through GASAM, one learns the art of composure—balancing personal responsibilities with the demands of leading a community that depends on guidance and support. It teaches the value of patience, of dealing with different temperaments and perspectives, and of staying calm even in the face of challenges.

Above all, GASAM leadership is about genuine service. There is no monetary reward, no grand recognition, yet the fulfilment that comes from making a difference in someone’s journey is beyond measure. Being in GASAM leadership means showing up, even when it’s difficult; it means sacrificing for the well-being of others, even when your own plate is full. This commitment builds character, sharpens resilience, and molds one into a person capable of thriving in any environment.

However, leadership in GASAM is not without its challenges. It demands one to go the extra mile, sometimes at the cost of personal convenience. It requires compromises, often between academic struggles and the call to serve. Studying in Morocco, a foreign land with its own academic and cultural demands, makes the task even more daunting. Yet, those who take up the mantle of leadership soon realize that the true essence of leadership is not in comfort but in perseverance. It is in pushing forward even when exhaustion sets in, in finding solutions when situations seem impossible, and in maintaining faith in the association’s mission despite setbacks.

GASAM is a noble institution, one that should never fade into obscurity. And yet, I fear for its continuity. I see fewer people willing to step up. I see participation dwindle when the work becomes hard. I see fewer Gambian students arriving in Morocco each year, and with that, I wonder—what will become of this association? Will it vanish one day, leaving future students to go through the struggles alone? It is a terrifying thought, because without GASAM, many of us would have suffered immeasurably. GASAM is the guiding hand that welcomes new students, helps them integrate, and ensures they are not lost in a foreign system. From the first day in Morocco to the last, GASAM is a safety net, a family, and a support system that many take for granted until they need it the most.

This is why we must hold on to it for as long as possible. We can not let it fade. We owe it to those who founded it, to those who have maintained it, and to those who will come after us. We must keep it alive as a show of gratitude. To every Gambian student in Morocco: do not let GASAM become a relic of the past. Step forward, contribute, and carry the torch. Because if GASAM were to disappear, the struggle for new students and every other student would be unbearable.

I am grateful for GASAM. I am grateful for its leaders, past and present. And I hope those reading this will see the weight of this responsibility and ensure that GASAM continues to thrive. It is not just an association; it is a legacy worth preserving.