Kennesaw State University senior Jessica Tazanou has developed a summer program in Cameroon to provide free educational opportunities for children who cannot afford to attend school. Tazanou, a biology major and student in the Keeping Sights Upward Journey Honors College, founded Africa With No Limits during a visit to her hometown of Douala in 2020.
“In Cameroon, even public schools have tuition fees,” Tazanou said. “Many families cannot afford to send all their children to school. Instead, the children work—selling goods in the market or doing odd jobs to help put food on the table—because survival is the priority.”
After moving from Cameroon to complete high school in Atlanta, Tazanou returned each year to expand her program. It now operates in four cities and serves up to 200 children each summer.
At Kennesaw State, Tazanou is active as an officer of the French Club, a Red Cross volunteer, Wing Leader mentor, and College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Scholar. She also volunteers with a mobile health clinic and has participated in undergraduate research focused on arsenic-based antibiotics.
Melanie Griffin, associate professor of microbiology and interim associate dean of faculty affairs and operations at KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics, described Tazanou as dedicated and compassionate. “I have witnessed a fantastic level of commitment and eagerness in Jessica to her not only her personal academic growth but to share her knowledge with her peers and her community,” Griffin said. “She has a sweet and engaging personality, and she works well with others. I believe she will emerge as a leader in her chosen field someday.”
Tazanou plans to graduate this December before attending medical school with hopes of becoming a surgeon who serves underserved populations.
“As a little girl, I had medical challenges and was at the hospital frequently,” she said. “In Cameroon, the doctor won’t see you until you make some kind of payment, and so I watched many children and families unable to receive care because of poverty.”
Her experiences motivated her efforts with Africa With No Limits: “I knew it would take some time for me to become a doctor, so I focused on what I could do to help now,” she said. “Teaching children to read, write and communicate effectively can help them secure better education or jobs to improve their quality of life.”
The program enlists local university students as volunteer teachers for reading, writing, math, while charitable organizations provide supplies and meals. In addition to academics, activities include arts, sports, martial arts, dance performances, music events, talent showcases—some generating funds for resources through student artwork sales.
When summer ends each year and Tazanou returns for studies at KSU in Georgia , many participating children resume working; some later enroll in public schools.
“Working with these children keeps me focused because they constantly remind me why I chose to pursue medicine in the first place,” she said. “Even if I don’t return to Cameroon to work as a doctor, I am committed to serving underserved communities here. Without someone to advocate for them, they may never receive the treatment and care they need.”
Looking ahead toward medical school applications , Tazanou intends for Africa With No Limits (hypothetical URL) programs continue expanding access for more Cameroonian youth.
“I believe that being born in Africa doesn’t mean you’re limited,” she said about naming the initiative. “My dream is not just to give children supplies but help enroll them in school so they can have a chance at a better future. I don’t expect anything in return. Just knowing these children are getting opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have is enough.”
