The power of education is that it gives people freedom and choice -- the freedom to dream big and the choice of how to build a better life. Some people will use their education to go to medical school, while some will use it go to college and become a teacher. And here in Mali – where agriculture is the largest part of our economy – many will use their education to learn the skills to launch an agricultural business. This is the path chosen by Mali Rising graduate, Bakary Koné.

Earlier this month I traveled to the Sikasso region, where a group of our most far-flung schools needed our attention. I traveled there to do a big training with the local teachers; my colleague Hindaty went to do some work with the schools’ girls. While I was there, I had the chance to talk with some students about their time in school. Today, I would like to share the story of Lakanan, who attends the Eagle Environmental Academy, and dreams of becoming a police officer.

Like hundreds of other Mali Rising Foundation graduates, Mariam Bamba is continuing to pursue her education after leaving our schools. Driven by a dream of a successful future, she is studying with great courage and conviction at college.

Can a school really change a life? Just ask Mariam Ali Sanogo, a graduate of Mali Rising’s Eagle Environmental Academy in the little village of Lofine.

Students who receive Mali Rising Inspiration Scholarships tell many stories about the impact on their lives. From 2016 until today, more than 50 girls and boys have been able to study thanks to these scholarships.

After 9th grade in Mali, the government chooses the course of study for most students, including our graduates. However, the government does not ever direct any student with to a health school such as a nursing program directly after 9th grade, although these schools privately admit students at this level. According to our students who study in the field of health, only students sponsored by Mali Rising’s Inspiration Scholarships have the chance to continue their studies in health after graduating middle school.

Way back in 2017, a generous donor sponsored Inspiration Scholarships for two young women from the tiny village of Lofine, at our Eagle Environmental Academy. We wanted to check in on those young women to see how they are doing as they begin their third and last year of nursing school in the “big” town of Kadiolo, Mali. We found they are both enthusiastic, proud, and very happy to see their dream becoming true by making them health workers. First, I spoke with Natogoma…