By Ousmane Coulibaly, Operations Coordinator
This fall, Awa L. Toure received an Inspiration Scholarship from the Mali Rising Foundation thanks to our donors. These scholarships are designed to help our most outstanding students continue their education and build independent, bright futures for themselves. Awa is already on the road to her dream future at tailor school!
Awa is a strong and highly motivated young girl. Long before she graduated from Sue Taylor Middle School in the village of Diorlia, she had one goal in mind: to become a tailor. She studied hard. Coming from a poor family, Awa was worried about the future of her studies, because her family was not ready to help her continue the studies after graduation.
As a result of all of her hard work, she graduated in June of 2022. Her principal saw her determination to continue her education and nominated her for an Inspiration Scholarship. Awa was overjoyed when she heard she had won the scholarship!
Awa decided to use her scholarship toto enroll in a tailoring vocation school (Coupe, Couture et Broderie de Sanankoroba). Mali Rising paid her full tuition fees and provided her an allowance to help her meet her daily needs related to her education.
“Me, I had only one goal; study hard and become a tailor. My dream came true thanks to the financial support of the NGO Mali Rising Foundation,” said Awa. “Today, I am very happy. Here in this tailoring school, we combine theory and practice. The teacher draws the patterns/designs on the board and explains them to us. Then we take the scissors, we cut the clothes, we come to the machines to sew them. It is very practical and simple. I learn very quickly here.”
When I asked Awa how this schooling related to her future, she said, “This course is very important because I am sure that after this training, I will be able to work by myself, and I will not need to depend on the government. I am sure that I will become someone in the future and will to help my parents.”
We love that Awa’s dreams include being independent AND helping her family. And with the drive and determination she has already shown, we feel sure Awa will turn her scholarship into a wonderful future.
