16th April, 2015
To Whom It May Concern
Dear Sir,
REFERENCE IN RESPECT OF HASSAN SIMON SESAY
My name is Marian Sia Marrah and I am currently the Operations/Research Manager for the International Growth Center Sierra Leone. I have known Hassan Simon Sesay for Four years since I interviewed him for a position as a Presiding Officer for the National Electoral Commission (NEC) 2012. As part of the recruitment process he was interviewed separately by me and two senior managers. We were all impressed by his understanding of the existing situation, his analyses that conveyed possible opportunities and pitfalls and his suggested recommendations. At that time I was acting in the capacity of Senior Advocacy Officer and Hassan was articulate and intelligent during his interview; as a result we had no hesitation in offering him employment. Also during his employment, he gave us no reason to doubt our decision. While extremely sorry to lose him, I am happy to assist him in his endeavors to broaden his horizons and his passion towards the development of Sierra Leone.
Hassan is a graduate of IPAM University of Sierra Leone where he obtained a BSc Hons in Applied Accounting. Since graduating he has continued to involve himself in workshops and initiatives, showing a keen desire to broaden his knowledge, understanding and experience. This desire for self-improvement, juxtaposed with the poor state of the Sierra Leonean educational establishment, has driven him to explore opportunities abroad.
Hassan has previously worked as Admin Clerk and Technical Controller for Atlas Communication Broadnet and later was promoted as an Internal Auditor because of his effectiveness and efficiency in analyzing Accounting Data. Also he was engaged voluntarily in a contract Job for Community Integration and Development in which his responsibilities included sourcing funding, drafting project proposals, compiling reports and representing the organization at meetings. Currently he is working for the United Bank for Africa as an Account officer. In this latter capacity he exhibits a professional ability to me as a client to the Bank. His experience and desire for academic quest demonstrate his aspiration to play key role in the development of our country and, in particular, on how to increase the economic impact and how to enact policy that can foster robust development on economic growth and development which clearly depict what he wanted to pursue.
Sierra Leone is a nation characterized by economic stagnation, poor educational and employment opportunities and considerable social issues. Given this, people have been forced to look overseas in order to realize their true abilities. Hassan is keen to effect change in Sierra Leone and recognizes that his options for self-realization within Sierra Leone are limited. He is therefore applying to study abroad to grow his own abilities and thereafter benefit his home country.
Hassan is proficient in English, the official language of Sierra Leone, and speaks several local dialects fluently. In his capacity as an employee of NEC in 2012 he was frequently called upon to submit written reports and recommendations in English, which he showed himself capable of doing.
Hassan wishes to study for anMSc in Economics /Financial management/public management. Given the state of our country this is a skill which is much needed.
Given his dedication and discipline, I believe, the course for which he is applying is within his capabilities and he has been realistic in his plans.
I very much hope that you will be able to approve his application.
Marian Sia Marrah
Operations/Research Manager
International Growth Center
SL: 232 79 629 762