By Fatoumata Kone, Operations Coordinator
At Mali Rising, we believe in the power of education to open doors and change lives. One example of this belief in action is the story of Mohamed Samake, a young man from Mali Rising’s Trujillo Family School who received an Inspiration Scholarship to continue his education after graduating.
With his scholarship, Mohamed decided to pursue a degree in electromechanics at the ESTB Vocational School in Bougouni. For Mohamed, this scholarship has been a lifeline.
“My parents don’t have the financial means to support my education, so this scholarship has been a great help,” Mohamed shares. “We are a poor family, and I wouldn’t be able to continue my studies without it.”
Life in Mohamed’s village can be challenging. During school holidays, he returns home to help his parents in the fields. This year, heavy rains caused flooding, threatening their crops. As the new school year approached, the family worried about how they would afford school supplies.
“Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to buy notebooks, school uniforms, and even food,” Mohamed explains. “There were days when I didn’t have breakfast before heading to school, but now, with the scholarship money, I can eat well and focus on my studies.”
Mohamed’s passion for electromechanics is clear. In his second year of study, he’s thriving in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the program. “I’ve learned so much about building installations and electrical work,” he says. “We even worked on electrical decorations for homes. I love what I’m studying, and I’m working hard to make the donors proud.”
Looking to the future, Mohamed dreams of using his education to give back to his community. “I want to become an electromechanical engineer and start my own company. With the money I earn, I’ll build wells, a health center, and bring electricity to my village.”
The impact of the Inspiration Scholarship extends beyond Mohamed. His parents, like many in rural villages, struggle to provide for their children’s education. “This scholarship has not only helped me, but it has also relieved a huge burden from my parents,” Mohamed says. “I am so grateful to Mali Rising for giving me the opportunity to study in good conditions.”
Mohamed’s story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at Mali Rising. Through initiatives like the Inspiration Scholarships, our donors are helping students like Mohamed realize their dreams and improve the future of their communities. We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders in Mali and look forward to seeing the incredible things they will accomplish.
