We are excited to introduce Alabani Nurudeen Damba as our Catalyst of the Month for January 2025. Alabani is a changemaker whose dedication, creativity, and teamwork continue to make waves at the Sakasaka Spot. He stands out not just for his hard work but also for the quiet leadership and deep sense of community he brings to every initiative he leads.
At the heart of Alabani’s journey is a belief in collective effort. While he humbly receives this recognition, he is quick to credit his success to the unwavering support of his team, mentors, and the wider EduSpots network. “My success is definitely not an individual effort,” he shares. “I have had the support of an amazing team, mentors, and the EduSpots network as a whole. Collaboration, feedback, and learning from others have been essential to my growth.”
Throughout his time with EduSpots, Alabani has embraced every opportunity to learn and lead. He speaks highly of the mentorship he’s received – regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and capacity-building trainings that have strengthened his confidence and skills. “These experiences have provided me with valuable insights and guidance,” he explains. “They’ve played a crucial role in my personal and professional development.”
One of the most exciting features of the Sakasaka Spot is its thriving community garden, a space that Alabani proudly highlights. Beyond providing fresh produce, the garden serves as a hub for learning, innovation, and youth engagement. “Our Spot has a thriving community garden that not only provides educational opportunities and fresh produce, but also serves as a learning space for young people,” he says. “Here, they can develop their entrepreneurial skills by creating innovative products using waste materials from the community.”
Looking ahead, Alabani envisions the Sakasaka Spot becoming a leading community hub, a space that champions education, drives sustainable development, and nurtures the next generation of leaders. “In the next five years, I envision our Spot becoming a hub for community development, with a focus on education, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability,” he says. “We will continue to innovate, expand our programs, and deepen our impact in the community.”
Alabani is also eager to give back to the EduSpots network in new ways. With growing experience in community engagement and programme development, he hopes to support other Catalysts by offering training, sharing insights, and helping build stronger teams. “I believe I can contribute by sharing my expertise in community engagement, programme development, and team management,” he shares. “I would be happy to provide training, support, and guidance to other Catalysts and Spots.”
When asked what makes a great team player, Alabani emphasises empathy, open communication, and active listening. “Being a good team player involves open-mindedness, effective communication, and a willingness to learn from others,” he says. “Active listening and maintaining a positive attitude also go a long way in building strong team relationships.”
To fellow Catalysts, his message is both practical and uplifting: “Stay focused, adaptable, and committed to your goals. Surround yourself with supportive people and be open to learning and growth. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures – and most importantly, have fun along the way.”
Alabani Nurudeen Damba embodies what it means to be a Catalyst, driven by purpose, strengthened by community, and inspired by the power of education to transform lives. His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they lead with vision, humility, and heart.