By Hindaty Traore, Girls’ Project Manager

At Mali Rising Foundation, we know that removing barriers to education changes lives. In Sankama, one of our partner villages, the impact of our Girls’ Project is clear. By covering school fees for girls, we’ve enabled parents to send their daughters to school — a life-changing opportunity for families who would otherwise struggle to afford education. Nantenin’s story makes that crystal clear.

For the village of Chocoro, nine kilometers from Judge Memorial Middle School in the village of Sankama, this project has been a game-changer. Previously, students from Chocoro had to walk six kilometers to attend school in Bagayogobougou. But for the past three years, many parents have chosen to send their daughters to Sankama instead, despite the greater distance. Why? Because school fees for girls are no longer an obstacle.

One of those girls is Nantenin Doumbia, a 13-year-old newly enrolled in seventh grade at Judge Memorial Middle School. Nantenin’s story reflects the challenges faced by many girls in her community.

Born into a farming family, Nantenin grew up in Chocoro, where boys’ education often takes priority over girls’. This year, her parents faced the daunting task of paying school fees for nine children. Her mother, Aminata, shared their struggles:

“Often, my children cannot go to school because I don’t have enough money for the fees. My only income comes from farming peanuts, which barely covers our family’s food needs. It’s very difficult.”

Without the Girls’ Project, Nantenin’s parents had decided to delay her enrollment by a year, meaning she would have lost valuable time in her education — or worse, dropped out entirely. Thankfully, knowing her fees would be covered, they sent her to Sankama.

To attend school, Nantenin now lives with her grandmother, Chata, in Sankama. Although she misses her family, she’s grateful for the opportunity to continue her studies. She dreams of becoming a police officer to serve her country and support her family.

“When I grow up, I want to buy modern farming tools for my father and a mill for my mother, so she can turn peanuts into paste and earn more money without so much physical effort. I will always be grateful to the people who support us through this project. I’ll do my best to make them proud.”

Nantenin’s determination shines through. Despite the challenges, she is thriving at her new school and is overjoyed to continue her education. Her story is a testament to the power of education and the profound difference the Girls’ Project makes in the lives of young students and their families.

Thank you for helping us ensure that girls like Nantenin have the chance to learn, dream, and achieve their full potential.