Who We Are
The Oolu Foundation is a social enterprise dedicated to expanding access to international higher education for students in West Africa. It develops and delivers structured, locally grounded programmes that prepare students to transition successfully into global academic opportunities.
Oolu operates under a dual-board structure, with registered foundations in both The Gambia and the Netherlands. These entities work in partnership to provide strong governance, combining local leadership with international collaboration—without compromising the initiative’s locally rooted vision.
At its core, Oolu is built on a simple belief: talent is universal, but opportunity is not—and that sustainable, scalable solutions are needed to bridge this gap.
Our Mission
To expand access to international higher education through structured, locally delivered pathways that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and preparation needed to succeed globally.
Our Vision
A future in which access to education and opportunity is not determined by geography or circumstance, but enabled through sustainable and scalable pathways.
Our Story
Oolu Foundation was founded by Mbakeh Camara, whose lived experience and entrepreneurial journey shaped the vision behind the initiative.
Taken into care at the age of seven and starting formal education at age sixteen, Mbakeh experienced first-hand the transformative power of mentorship, resilience, and opportunity. With the support of mentors, he self-funded his secondary education in The Gambia and went on to pursue higher education in the UK.
He holds a Master’s degree in International Economic Laws from Oxford Brookes University and completed Executive Training at the Blavatnik School of Government, at the University of Oxford. He is an ambassador of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and an External Board Member of European Universities Alliance NEOLAiA.
Through his engagement with universities across the UK and Europe, he recognised that many academically capable young people in The Gambia—particularly those not in education, employment or training—could access international higher education with the right support.
Since 2014, he has been actively engaged in mentoring young people in The Gambia, particularly in response to the rise in irregular migration among youth. Through this work, he developed and led initiatives focused on mentorship, career guidance, and employability, working with partners across The Gambia, the UK, and the USA to support young people in making informed decisions and accessing opportunities.
Oolu Foundation builds on this work by institutionalising and scaling a sustainable model that bridges the gap between secondary education and international higher education.
Building on this vision, Marieke van de Laar—through her work in higher education in the Netherlands—identified the absence of structured pathways for talented students from West Africa into international universities. Recognising the strength and potential of Mbakeh Camara’s vision, she joined as a Co-Founder of Oolu to help translate this vision into a structured and scalable model. In her role as External Relations Officer at University College Roosevelt, she has been responsible for developing and strengthening national and international partnerships with educational institutions, corporate partners, and public stakeholders, and for shaping external engagement and collaboration.
With nearly 10 years of experience in external relations, social enterprise management, and programme development, she has led complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, including EU-funded projects, and has built a strong track record in fundraising, communications, and community engagement. She holds a Master’s degree from Nyenrode Business University, bringing a strong foundation in international business, marketing, and strategic management. Her background also includes leading large-scale public and academic events, coordinating international collaborations, and working at the intersection of education, government, and civil society.
Drawing on this experience, she co-founded Oolu and has played a central role in shaping its institutional model, programme design, and international partnerships. She has been instrumental in translating the founding vision into a structured, credible, and scalable approach that connects locally delivered education to global academic opportunities.
Believing in this initiative, Metha Trebbe, Marieke’s mother, made the first investment to help launch Oolu and support students through scholarships.
Why Oolu Exists
Each year, many students complete secondary education with the ambition to continue their studies. However, the transition to higher education—particularly internationally—is often complex and inaccessible.
Differences in entry requirements, limited access to structured guidance, and financial constraints create barriers that prevent capable students from progressing.
Oolu exists to address this gap through a sustainable, solution-driven model that creates accessible and structured pathways for students to realise their potential.
Our Approach
Oolu’s approach is built on two core principles: accessibility and alignment.
Programmes are delivered locally in The Gambia, enabling students to access support within a familiar environment, while being aligned with international academic standards and expectations.
As a social enterprise, Oolu combines:
- Structured programme delivery
- Strategic partnerships with universities and institutions
- Sustainable funding and revenue models
This enables the organisation to scale impact while maintaining quality and accessibility.
Our Governance
Oolu operates under a dual-board governance structure, with foundations registered in:
- The Gambia
- The Netherlands
Both entities work collaboratively to ensure:
- Strong governance and accountability
- Alignment between local implementation and international partnerships
- Long-term sustainability and growth
This model ensures that Oolu remains locally grounded while globally connected.
Leadership
Mbakeh Camara
Leads the vision, strategy, and impact of Oolu, drawing on lived experience and international higher education engagement to advance social mobility through sustainable pathways.
Marieke van de Laar
Leads international partnerships, programme development, and fundraising, supporting the institutional growth and global positioning of Oolu.
Get Involved
Oolu Foundation collaborates with universities, partners, and organisations committed to expanding access to education through innovative and sustainable models.
For further information or collaboration:
info@oolu.org