By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

Last week we announced some great news -- a surprise gift to help us build our 23rd school! It will be located in the village of Kafara, where the children and parents alike are celebrating. Today I wanted to share just one story of a student who will benefit from the new school, Issa. Issa may look more serious than your typical 9th grader but...well, frankly he probably is a bit more serious than your typical 9th grader.

My name is Issa Niangadou and I'm 17 years old. I will enter the 9th grade in October 2018.

In the classroom , my favorite subjects are physics and chemistry because they are easier for me and I really like doing practical experiments during classes

After my studies, I would like to become a policeman to prevent the invasion of Malians by jihadists.

If I could change one thing in the world, I would remove all the difficulties that our parents are currently facing because we can not move forward in the difficulties.

When I am not in school, I like to do gardening (in the family's vegetable garden).

Today is a great day for me because it is the beginning of the construction work of our middle school in Kafara. Before that, I walked on 4 kilometers each way every day to study in a village called Sougoula. 

Now, thanks to our generous supporters, school will be just steps away for Issa!