Faces of FIUTS: Bachir Laouali Ousman

Bachir presenting at the FIUTS CulturalFest Expo, 2024

‎I’m from Niger, a country in West Africa, and I currently live in Niamey, the capital. Niger is rich in cultural diversity, and growing up there taught me to appreciate community ties and the importance of helping others. These early lessons have influenced my path and continue to guide my commitment to education and community development.

“My dream is to build bridges between communities, to empower young people, and to make education more inclusive and accessible.”

- Bachir Laouali Ousman

‎I joined FIUTS for three months last year through the 2024 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX. From the very first day, FIUTS felt like home. Despite our cultural differences, I felt deeply connected to everyone I met. What stood out most was the genuine support, the vibrant energy, and the commitment to inclusion. FIUTS is a community that believes in people, listens to them, and uplifts them.

‎I believe in the power of education and connection to transform lives. My dream is to build bridges between communities, to empower young people, and to make education more inclusive and accessible. FIUTS taught me that leadership is not about where you come from, but how you bring people together. It inspired me to lead with empathy, to celebrate our differences, and to focus on what unites us. Today, I carry that lesson with pride as a leader, a connector, and a believer in a better world.