Hi there! Happy New Year 2022…
“Alhamadullah” I thank the Almighty Allah for keeping me alive.
It is a new year and an excellent time for a reflection of successes and failures in the previous twelve months. Every successful year I persistently attempt to carefully review and evaluate myself both personally and business-wise. This powerfully aids me to meaningfully improve and progressively become a more efficient version of myself and adequately prepare for the following year. There is a familiar saying: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”
I traditionally started 2021 by working hard on my personal brand especially my online presence and to become more consistent. I was recognised and graciously invited by Malik Khan, CEO of PointClick Technologies at an annual event called Who is Who in Tech in The Diaspora 2.0, where I had the opportunity to be among the speakers of that occasion alongside other Gambian tech giants working for leading companies in the Diaspora. I willingly shared my entrepreneurial journey and notable success stories to divinely inspire the intended audience.
I was also certified by the International Model Diplomat for Integrated Development (IMDID Gambia) as a resource person at their 2019 tech camp. The training was dubbed Tech Cafe’ 1.0 held in Jarra Soma, with the ultimate aim of bridging the tech gap between rural and urban Gambia. Underneath is a historical documentary of the tech camp.
Personal Development
Last year I undertook a series of online courses on udemy, Envato tutsplus and Certiport on design, the web and filming to upgrade necessary skills so I can provide better services. In addition, I also did some offline training on Script Writing and Sound Design for film with the Film Producers Association of The Gambia which I’m a member of.
Business
My company Faalen Technologies has been doing fine, especially in Web Design services. We designed seven websites last year. Our client base last year has improved remarkably compared to previous years. Since 2015, we have built over 39 different websites for our ideal clients and this has built us an impressive portfolio to brag about. Faalen Technologies is one of the top web design agencies in The Gambia.
Our skills development hub Skills.gm Digital Skills Training has been doing fine in nurturing young Gambians on various skill-sets on Graphic Design, Video Editing and Web Design. In 2021 we were hired by Tech4All Gambia organisation to train 15 young girls on multimedia. The initiative was a sponsored training by the US State Department through the US Embassy, Banjul. The 4 months training was geared towards adequately equipping young girls with “Lifetime Digital Skills.”
You can visit Skills TV on YouTube to see some of the video projects our students were able to produced.
Our New Office & Training Hub
To efficiently create a conducive environment for our prospective students and potential clients, we wisely decided to strategically re-locate to a new spot where we can do more.
Other Activities
I had the chance to discuss about ICT in Education at the national television GRTS on the AM Show, where I talked enthusiastically about how we can properly use ICT to improve the way we teach and learn in the education sector.
As a mature student of the International Open University (IOU) after efficiently delivering a successful keynote on Effective Presentation Skills in 2020, I was graciously invited again.
Publications
I recently updated my modern textbook ICT for Beginners, which was first printed in 2014, and I have sold over 2500 copies since then. This textbook is currently the only standard and up-to-date ICT textbook written by a Gambian author.
Family
I can’t believe my beloved sons Ibrahim and Muhammad are growing so fast. We had a nice 3 day family vacation at one of the local lodges in The Gambia.
Both Ibrahim and Muhammad have their own domain names preserved for them for the future.
Finally, don’t forget to visit my blog faalictacademy.com and my YouTube channel to find useful tech resources.
Wishing you a prosperous new year ahead. Thanks for reading.
Sheriff bah
January 2, 2022 2:25 pmThis is a portentous achievement. I want to take this golden opportunity to wish you more fantastic success in the tech terrain. To succeed, you need the courage to admit mistakes, faith to welcome change, enthusiasm to motivate others, commitment to stay true to your dreams and willingness to stay out of step when everyone else is marching to the wrong tune.
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“Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.”
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Nobody knows everything. So don’t worry about coming across as being ignorant, everybody is. Admit ignorance, keep learning, and succeeding. “If someone doesn’t appreciate your presence make them appreciate your absence.”
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“Everyone gets happy and gets sad, but you should turn your happiness into gratitude and your sadness into patience .”
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“Compassion is the currency that leads to true wealth.” “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
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Focus on being productive instead of busy.
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Don’t let your happiness rely on external approvals. Find place in today where you accept your journey the way it is. Everything may not be perfect, but in this moment there exist blessings that you can be thankful for. Love the ‘you’ of now. Allow contentment in life. Be joyous.
From C.I.O
S.P009
Ousman Faal
December 21, 2022 7:22 pmThanks SP009
Ousman Faal
January 2, 2022 4:52 pmThanks for the insightful comment SP. Appreciated!
Fatou Sarr
January 1, 2022 8:42 pmBonne continuation sous la protection d’Allah ❤❤❤
Ousman Faal
January 1, 2022 8:51 pmAmeen. Merci Aunty Fatou Sarr.
Abubacarr Samura
January 1, 2022 8:29 pmGreat job. The journey was rough but success was tremendously achieved.
May Allah continue to elevate.
More success ahead
Ousman Faal
January 1, 2022 8:31 pmAmeen. Thank you Abubacarr.