The University of Guyana attaches the utmost importance to the success of its students. One of these students, Loana, who is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Life and Earth Sciences, tells us about her career and her ambitions.
About you
My name is Loana ASJEME and I am 22 years old. I'm a student in the 2nd year of a Bachelor's degree in Life and Earth Sciences. I'm also a student-entrepreneur and winner of the local initiative prize in the PÉPITE GUYANE 2022-2023 competition.
After passing my baccalauréat at the Lycée Bertène Juminer in St Laurent, I decided to enrol for a degree in Life and Earth Sciences at the University of Guyana. Once I've passed my bachelor's degree, I'd like to continue my studies at the University of Sciences in Montpellier to specialise in cosmetics.
Why did you choose this route?
I chose this path because I've always loved science, especially chemistry. It's a subject I've loved since secondary school. My ambition is to become a cosmetologist, a profession that has fascinated me since I was very young.
Why did you choose to join the PEPITE scheme?
It was this ambition that prompted me to sign up for the PÉPITE GUYANE scheme in September 2022, during my second year of undergraduate studies. To tell the truth, I didn't know about the scheme; it was a friend who told me about it and encouraged me to take part. So I summoned up all my courage and signed up for the student-entrepreneur diploma (D2E) and the PÉPITE GUYANE competition. I presented my project and was accepted. During this year, I was trained in the basics of entrepreneurship by the PÉPITE GUYANE team and coached by my two mentors, Ms Maryana ROYER and Mr Marc SAGNE, who gave me a lot of advice. I'd like to thank them.
Can you tell us about your project?
My project involves setting up a cosmetology laboratory focusing on Amerindian uses, to exploit the bioresources of French Guiana and the traditional knowledge of the six indigenous nations: the Kali'na, Teko, Paykweneh, Wayana, Wayapi and Lokono.
What is your motivation for developing it?
I'm Amerindian myself. I'm proud to represent my community through my ambitions and the products I make. I'd like to help promote our local know-how and set an example for young Amerindians in French Guiana. It's a project I'm proud of. Last year, at the student-entrepreneur graduation ceremony, I won the local initiative prize. It's an honour for me and for all the work I've done since the beginning of this adventure. I'm immensely proud of my project, because it motivates me to persevere and take each step with determination. When my name was announced, I couldn't help but think of my late brother. He has supported and encouraged me all along the way. He's a role model for me, because I've always aspired to follow in his footsteps and see my studies and projects through to the end, just like him.
Tell us about your life as a student
As well as devoting my time to my studies and setting up my own business, I'm also an ambassador for the national 'Cordées de la Réussite' scheme and Civic Service at the UG. That's a lot of hats! I have a dynamic student life, full of good memories and rewarding encounters.
In a few words... what are cordées?
Cordées de la réussite is a scheme that provides ongoing support for students from 4th grade through to the baccalauréat and beyond. The aim is to combat students' self-censorship and introduce social equity into access to higher education courses. I joined the scheme as a tutor in January 2023. I was trained for a month by the DOSIP team. My job was to look after, advise and monitor students. A few months ago, I was asked to become an ambassador for the cordées. I might as well tell you that I didn't think twice about it, I accepted. Being chosen to represent the cordées is a chance for me to share my journey, which has not been without its difficulties. I'm taking the opportunity to talk to the young people about my project, because I think it could inspire them. I give them an insight into student life, covering aspects such as courses, accommodation, grants and the various activities organised throughout the year at the UG and beyond.