Reflections from My Sydani Fellowship Journey – Fatima Saidu
Three words that describe my experience
- Transformative
- Challenging
- Memorable.
What have you enjoyed the most about being a part of the fellowship?
I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the story that Sydani tells; in the work that they do and in the lives that they touch. There’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing how strategy, innovation, and empathy come together to create real impact. Beyond that, I’ve loved the sense of community. Being surrounded by brilliant, passionate young people who are equally driven to solve problems and make a difference. Every conversation, project, and challenge has felt like a chance to grow and contribute to something bigger than myself.
What part of the program has stood out the most to you so far?
Definitely, the in-class sessions. They’ve given us the time and space to learn new skills in such a short period, within an enabling environment that pushes you to think differently. I can now do things I didn’t even have on my 2025 vision board, and more importantly, I’ve learned to approach challenges with a fresh, more strategic mindset.
Can you talk about your previous project?
I was previously on the STRICAN project – Strengthening Routine Immunization in Consequential Areas in Niger State. The goal was to reduce the zero-dose burden across 10 LGAs in the state. While this was our main objective, the project also had several key components: household enumeration and profiling of under-five children, disease surveillance to strengthen early reporting and monitoring of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), and ACSM (Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization) activities to raise awareness and generate demand for vaccination services. It was a hands-on experience that gave me a front-row seat to how strategies translate into action and how the smallest interventions can make a lasting difference in communities.
What do you hope to do differently in your next project?
I hope to be more intentional about the skills I want to develop and how I apply them. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always come from doing everything perfectly, sometimes it’s about giving yourself grace, learning with curiosity, and enjoying the process. In my next project, I want to stay open, be deliberate about my learning goals, and make the most of every opportunity to evolve both personally and professionally.