Salimatta Jabang Beats the Odds to Earn Honours Degree in Community Leadership

Life is often unpredictable, but for one determined 26-year-old single mother, resilience and faith turned hardship into triumph.

Salimatta Jabang has graduated with a BA (Hon) in Community Leadership from the University of Lancashire | Photo credit: University of Lanacshire

Salimatta Jabang, daughter of Mahawa Keita of Gunjur and Lamin Jabang of Brikama, has graduated with a BA (Hons) in Community Leadership from the University of Lancashire, defying overwhelming personal challenges along the way.

A single mother to her two-year-old son, Ansumana, Salimatta persevered through divorce, relocation overseas, single parenthood, and post-natal depression to achieve what once felt impossible.

Salimatta embraces her son after picking up his degree in Community Leadership from the University of Lanacshire

Because of her remarkable journey, Salimatta was selected as one of the university’s three “Inspiring Students” and featured on the University of Lancashire website. In its profile, the university wrote:

“Salimatta Jabang, a single mother to two-year-old Ansumana, has graduated from the BA (Hons) Community Leadership degree despite navigating divorce, single parenthood, moving overseas and post-natal depression.”

Reflecting on her journey, Salimatta shared how the support of her lecturers and her personal faith helped her through one of the darkest periods of her life.

“I was so close to giving up. It was the hardest period I have ever experienced, and I really didn’t think I would make it,” she said.

“I was relocating to a different country while going through a divorce, caring for my baby and struggling with postpartum depression. Balancing my studies with motherhood and mental health was incredibly challenging.”

She described countless sleepless nights filled with tears, yet credited her lecturers for never losing faith in her.

“My lecturers were among the few people who were consistent in supporting me and reminding me that I was capable of getting this degree. Even when I had given up on myself, they offered encouragement, patience and respect.”

Having previously been involved in community projects in both The Gambia and the United Kingdom, Salimatta was determined to pursue a course that would equip her to become an effective community leader. She now hopes to build a career in women’s aid, giving back to others who helped her regain stability and confidence.

Salimatta Jabang graduates with BA (Hons) in Community Leadership from the University of Lanacshire

Now living in Aberdeen, she said the University of Lancashire offered her the opportunity to rebuild her life while continuing her education.

“My lecturers never gave up on me. Their kind words and understanding have made me who I am today — a resilient and confident woman with a degree. I can never thank them enough.”

Salimatta Jabang’s story stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance, support, and self-belief can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.