By Merritt Frey, Executive Director with Hindaty Traore, Girls Project Manager

We are overjoyed that the new middle school for the children of Banko — Christiana Norris Middle School — is now open in Mali and serving kids. Alas, for now we cannot do the typical ceremonial opening with the Norris Family, who generously sponsored the school. Instead, our staff brought a video from the Norris Family to share with the students and interviewed students, staff, and parents about the new school. Over this week, I’ll be sharing stories and interviews from that trip. The second student interview story which we share today is from a young woman, Sanata, who dreams of wearing a doctor’s white coat as a result of her studies!

My name is Sanata Fomba. I am 16 years old, and in the 8th grade at the new Christiana Norris Middle School of Banko.

I live in a village called Djibabougou. Since the new school has opened, I come every day to take lessons at Banko. Djibabougou is about 5 kilometers from Banko, which feels like a quick trip to me! Last year I did the 7th grade in a village called Fogoba, which is more than 7 kilometers from my home in Djibabougou. I went to Fogoba by bike, and the trip took an hour. All too often, the bike broke down.

Despite all these difficulties, I have not lost hope because I love school. I am aware that it is by studying that we achieve our goals. For example, we can become a doctor wearing a uniform, all thanks to our studies. Personally, I would like to wear a uniform because that is what I have always dreamed of. My favorite subjects are chemistry and biology because I am able to master these two subjects very well. I am convinced that education will bring me something in life, even if I do not have a job. For example, I will be able to explain how to take medications by reading the labels or prescription, and I can also read the contents of a letter for people who have not gone to school.

When not in school, I like to listen to music because it gives me joy. However I hate disease, including COVID-19. I like to eat chicken, fries -- any good things in a nutshell! I ate all these beautiful things when I was in Bamako as a servant to my aunt, that is to say my mother's sister. I was selling condiments for her. One thing is for sure, I will never drop out of school to work as a maid. I will never stop thanking the donors of our new middle school because thanks to them I am closer to the school. Thank you so much!