By Fatoumata Kone, Operations Coordinator
The Mali Rising Foundation has introduced a new initiative, the Hope Grant, aimed at empowering its former students to create their own businesses and avoid unemployment. This scholarship will help many individuals turn their dreams into reality through small micro-grants for alumni with a great business idea.
This year, we are piloting the Hope Grants with 10 deserving alumni. One particularly joyful recipient is Tenin Doumbia, a young woman from Diorila. Tenin attended Mali Rising’s Sue Taylor Middle School in Diorila. After obtaining her DEF (Diplôme d’Études Fondamentales), she began learning valuable skills like hair braiding, applying henna, and bridal makeup. While she offered these services in her community, she lacked the financial means to purchase the necessary equipment to grow her business.
Tenin shared that when she was interviewed for the Hope Scholarship, she was thrilled but didn’t expect to be selected. When she received the call informing her that she had been chosen as a grant recipient, she was overwhelmed with happiness.
“This grant is going to help me so much! With it, I will be able to buy the equipment I mentioned during my interview. I’ve been doing traditional hair braiding, henna, and bridal makeup, and with this money, I’ll finally have the materials I’ve needed for a long time. I’m determined to do everything I can to make my business a success. I encourage all the other Hope Grant recipients to work hard so that Mali Rising can continue this incredible initiative and help even more former students in the future.
Thank you to Mali Rising for your generosity and for believing in my potential. I am truly grateful to be a Hope Grant recipient, and I am excited to make a positive impact with my business.”
Tenin’s story is just one example of how Hope Grants changing lives. At Mali Rising, we are committed to supporting the dreams and ambitions of our former students, helping them create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
