By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

At a recent peer meeting we had the chance to talk with two teachers from one of our newer schools – Christiana Norris Middle School in the village of Banko. Teachers are what make a school a life-changing place, so great teachers are key to our students’ futures. Get to know two of Banko’s teachers just a little bit through these mini-profiles from our chat.

Mr. Lamine Mariko

Mr. Mariko teaches chemistry and natural science to the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders of the school. He has taught at the school for all three years of his professional life, and says, “I like working in Banko because I like students and I want to help them a lot. I also like the people of Banko because they are nice to me.” Although he enjoys his students when we asked him what his classroom pet peeve was, he had a familiar teacher’s compliant: “I hate when they are noisy while I am talking and distract some other students.” Mr. Mariko’s favorite dish is toh [a Malian staple made of pounded millet] with baobab leaves for sauce.

Mr. Moumine Ballo

Mr. Ballo is the newest teacher at Christiana Norris Middle School. At just 29, he is an intern teacher at the school this year. Mr. Ballo teaches math to the school’s 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. So far, he is enjoying is time as a teacher in Banko. Mr. Ballo says, “I like working at the school very much because the students are very friendly and I enjoy working with kids. They make me laugh very often and when I am with them, I forget my worries.” He went on to explain, “I like when they become bolder and answer my questions or ask questions sometimes that make me laugh.” Mr. Ballo is practical about his favorite food, sharing: “I like couscous with milk especially for breakfast because it also makes me go for several hours without getting hungry.”

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