Awa Sylla is a a bright, motivated, and courageous young woman from the rural village of Dovong in Mali. Awa recently graduated from the Entrepreneurs Organization Academy in her hometown and is now completing her senior year in the TSCO track at Kadiolo Public High School. Passionate about education, Awa’s story is one of resilience and hope, and I am excited to share it with you.
Hope Grant Recipient Launches Cattle Business
Meet Fousseyni Diakité, a 22-year-old from Sebela. Fousseyni graduated from Tim Gibson Middle School in Sebela and now attends the IPR Agricultural School in Katibougou, Koulikoro region, where he is studying animal production. Thanks to a new Hope Grant from Mali Rising Foundation’s donors, he is already starting his livestock business.
New Hope Grants Make Change
Mohamed Makes the Most of His Scholarship
At Mali Rising, we believe in the power of education to open doors and change lives. One example of this belief in action is the story of Mohamed Samake, a young man from Mali Rising’s Trujillo Family School who received an Inspiration Scholarship to continue his education after graduating. With his scholarship, Mohamed decided to pursue a degree in electromechanics at the ESTB Vocational School in Bougouni. For Mohamed, this scholarship has been a lifeline.
A Hope Grant Recipients Celebrates
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.
Determined to Learn...and to Teach
Turning An Education Into An Orchard
The power of education is that it gives people freedom and choice -- the freedom to dream big and the choice of how to build a better life. Some people will use their education to go to medical school, while some will use it go to college and become a teacher. And here in Mali – where agriculture is the largest part of our economy – many will use their education to learn the skills to launch an agricultural business. This is the path chosen by Mali Rising graduate, Bakary Koné.
Alumni Paying it Forward
One of my favorite parts of my job is coordinating a newish project for Mali Rising Foundation — our Alumni Networks. These networks bring together graduates from our schools and support them as the work to help their school and inspire current students to stay in school and study hard. This was my first year with the Alumni Networks, and I had a great wrap up discussion with one participant — Pratric Samake, who graduated from Denik Middle School in Zambougou.
Alumni Network Educates Students on Malaria
Many of our schools are now old enough that they have graduated hundreds, or even thousands, of students. So, recently we began organizing school Alumni Networks with a goal of helping the graduates help their schools grow and thrive. We have found that the alumni are more than eager to help! This month, we helped one Alumni Network address a big problem — malaria.
Creativity + Business Acumen = Bright Future
Creating and wearing beautiful clothes is a passion that crosses the boundaries of every country. No matter where you go, you’ll find people who turn clothing into an art form with their sewing skill. Mali Rising Foundation alum Djeneba Samake is one such young woman with a passion for sewing that, with te help of Mali Rising’s donors, she is now turning into a career.
