By Ousmane Coulibaly, Operations Coordinator

When Mali Rising’s donors sponsor a scholarship, they really do change lives. It is a cliché, but a $500 donation to one of our graduates can turn dreams into reality for a hard working student. Take the case of Mariam Sylla as a case in point.

Mariam Sylla graduated in 2016 from the Leon W. Pete Harman Middle School of N’tentoubougou. She dreamed of becoming a nurse and she didn't have the means to fulfill her ambitions. But after graduating, she received a scholarship from Mali Rising, which fully funded her studies to become a nursing student at Ecole de Santé Djitoumou.

“I was lucky enough to receive the scholarship of Mali Rising Foundation. This project financed my studies for three years. After graduating as a nurse, I worked at the Hospital of Ouelessebougou. Without this scholarship, it won’t be possible for me to achieve my dreams. I am working, and I have delivered babies to more than 100 mothers,” said Mariam proudly.

Having an independent career allows young women like Mariam to make their own decisions and earn money that helps them and their families. Beyond the financial benefits, a job in nursing makes Mariam feel good about herself. She told me, “I like this nursing work very much because I feel happy and proud when I help patients.”

Mariam had to overcome many obstacles to receive her middle school education. “I had many difficulties during my studies when I was still in Ouelessebougou. When I was in the middle school, I did not live with my parents and I had to overcome difficulties with my host family. I sometimes went hungry and was expected to take care of many, many household chores. I invite all the girls to study a lot, because only education pays and frees you to make your own life,” said Mariam.

Mali Rising Foundation scholarship has been helpful for dozens of students in Mali. Thank to that scholarship program, many young Malians have become nurses, teachers, traders, musicians, tailors, or veterinarians. And today, many others are still continuing their studies at Universities and vocational schools. Scholarships lift up individual Mali Rising graduates and help them make Mali a better place.