Yoro Sidibe is a Senegalese philanthropist who inspired Colin to begin his foundation. Colin attended Yoro’s AfricaNextGen camp in the summer of 2022 and was inspired by Yoro’s impact on the kids’ lives through basketball and school. Yoro’s kindness and passion for Senegal’s young population have led to him positively impacting hundreds of kids in Senegal.

Just like many of the children at the camp, Yoro was just a kid from Kolda, and he did not allow his circumstances to limit his dreams. He is currently playing Division 1 basketball at Norfolk State University. Moreover, he is also thriving off the court as he was one of two people to receive the Accelerating Academic Success Program Career Development Award in the NCAA. He continues to touch many lives with his program, AfricaNextGen. 

Hans Alassane Ndaw is Colin’s older brother who motivated him to always push himself to the limits. Hans taught Colin many life principles and morals that Colin has kept very close to his heart. The main life principle Hans taught Colin was to bring happiness and positivity to others. Growing up, Hans was able to connect and form meaningful relationships through basketball and soccer. This has influenced Colin to use basketball as a way to connect with other kids. Colin looked up to Hans as a role model and seeks to try and follow in his brother’s footsteps. 

Dieynaba Ndaw is Colin’s older sister who plays Division 1 soccer/football at Duke University, where she is majoring in Psychology, minoring in Computer Science, and pursuing a Markets and Management certificate. Colin admires Dieynaba’s braveness as she was one of few girls he saw playing competitive soccer/football in Senegal and left home at the tender age of thirteen to follow her dreams. She has always recognized how privileged she was for her opportunities and, since a very young age, has dreamt about being able to help out others who deserve the same.

Colin's grandfather, Professor Alassane Ndaw, was a pioneer whose commitment and intellectual courage gave rise in the 1960s to Africa's philosophy. Together with President Léopold Sedar Senghor, the first President of Senegal, Alassane Ndaw established the first public University in Senegal, which attracted students from all over Africa. He was also the one who inaugurated the teaching of philosophy in French-speaking Africa. He was the first black African professor of philosophy and the first Senegalese Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Dakar. He was affectionately called the ‘’Dean of Deans’’ and the "the first of all". He was very attentive to young people, which is why he created the Department of Philosophy. He was a mentor for many students all over the African continent, and he remained engaged with tutoring and advising the youth almost until his death at the age of 92. Colin's grandfather inspired him as he helped me reflect on Africa and its opportunities. He used to say, “To philosophize in Africa is to understand that no one has a monopoly on the philosophy”. He was courageous and committed to a new African way of thinking. He devoted his life to educating the young African generation and teachers to contribute to the development of Senegal and Africa.