Persistence

Hello friends, 

I want to introduce you to Djeneba Sissoko. She is in the eighth grade at Grace School.

Eight years ago I was visiting the Sissoko family and found that the atmosphere was not very good. The sick mother had just lost her sight and the dad was retiring from the local urban planner’s office. 

Young Djeneba was crying because her older sister Djadji was dressed up to go to her third grade class at the public school, leaving her sister at home. Her insistent cry was above any attempt of her parents to try to calm her down. During all the time I visited with her parents she continued to cry. Two times in two weeks, I witnessed the same scenario and I realized that she was persistent.

That year Grace School had a first grade for the first time. Even though she was too young, I asked Mr Sissoko if he could bring Djeneba to our school so that she can learn something before she is fully able to study. And after a month Djeneba was able to read the letters taught in the class. She took all the tests and at the end made it to second grade. From then she never repeated a class. Now she is doing well and is proudly in eighth grade. 

Last August, her dad came to me with big concern about Djadji, saying "Djeneba has became her bigger sister's teacher at home.” I had assumed Djadji was at the high school already but no. She was still in 8th grade. Mr Sissoko expressed his desire to send Djadji to Grace with her sister but they could not pay the parents' portion of the costs.

Because of all the support we get we were able to offer Djadji a place at Grace school as well. Now both sisters are tuition free in the same grade at Grace school and Djadji is doing much better at school.

There are many students like Djeneba and Djadji in our school by the grace of God through your support.

Thank you very much for allowing the less fortunate to get the opportunity to get a good education. Together we are bringing hope to families.

God bless you,

Ibrahima