By Fatoumata Kone, Operations Coordinator

It is sad to see here in Mali, but all to often early (or even child) marriage prevents many girls from continuing their education. However, times are changing in Mali. Some families wait longer for marriage, and even when marriage does occur it doesn’t always have to mean that a young women’s education is over. An example of this change comes from Salimata Sissao, a Mali Rising alumni. Here is her story in her own words:

My name is Salimata Sissao, I obtained graduated from the Lareen Mellor Middle Schoolin Kassela. Today, I am in my 2nd year at the Miniankala School of Health in Koutiala. I am married and have two children.

But despite the marriage, I didn't drop out of school because I love school and I have goals to achieve.

When I was in high school, my parents told me that they were going to give me away to be married. In our family I can't refuse; it's our custom. So I told both families that if they give me in marriage, I won't give up my studies. At first they didn't accept but one of our teachers came to explain to them that they should let me continue my studies because I am intelligent, finally they accepted.

I married an understanding man who never objected to my studies. In fact, he encouraged me to study every day. Before my graduation, my dream was to go to health school but I never thought I could afford it. To my surprise, my Director called me that I had been awarded the Mali Rising Foundation scholarship for a three-year program at the health school. On that day I was so happy I didn't know how I could have such a large amount of money to go to a health school!

Currently I am in my 2nd year, and that is thanks to the generous donation of Mali Rising. I thank you. In our schools we do theory and practice at the same time. In theory, our teachers explain how to use the different treatment materials and how to do things like injections. Once we have a good understanding of the theory, we move on to practice. Practice helps improve skills and makes us better. So I did a practical internship in a clinic in Koutiala. I learned a lot of things such as the injection technique, the follow-up of the treatment, the monitoring of the injection sites, and the monitoring of pregnant women. Now I can place catheters and give injections on my own. After my studies, I will help children who are malnourished, rural women and the elderly.

Determination, courage and perseverance allow us to achieve our goal - I learned this first-hand at school and now in nursing school!

Learn more about Inspiration Scholarships like Salimata’s scholarship.